Ontario reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases since July on September 5.
Public health officials confirmed 169 new infections, most of which were in the Greater Toronto Area.
Peel Region continued to lead the province in new cases, with 46. York Region had a big single-day spike in new COVID-19 cases with 19. Toronto reported 42 and Durham had six.
“Locally, 28 of Ontario’s 34 public health units are reporting five or fewer cases, with 19 of them reporting no new cases,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said.
Ontario’s daily growth in COVID-19 cases has stayed above 100 for 10 days.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health David Williams and Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Eileen de Villa have warned that infections are on the rise.
Ontario had 148 new cases on Friday – including 72 in Peel Region alone. There were 132 new cases on Thursday, 133 on Wednesday, 114 on Tuesday and 112 on Monday.
On Friday, Premier Doug Ford said Brampton in particular is a hot spot for new infections.
“When Brampton makes up three per cent of the population and 40 per cent of the cases, that’s concerning,” he said. “We can’t have these backyard parties, peopel not wearing face masks. Anyone who is thinking they’re having a big shindig this weekend, forget about it. Cancel it.
He added that residents should not be having large gatherings in small backyards.
“We’re seeing a slow creep,” he added. “They shouldn’t be sharing anything. I don’t care if it’s doobies, joints, whatever you want to call them. Or drinks. Just don’t share them. Wear a face covering.”
De Villa said earlier this week that Toronto’s COVID-19 cases are rising due to people socializing out side their social circles, bending rules and socializing indoors without masks on.
Ontario’s new COVID-19 cases on September 5
The following regions in Ontario reported five or more COVID-19 cases:
Peel Region = 46
Toronto = 42
Ottawa = 30
York Region = 19
City of Hamilton = 8
Durham = 6
