Officials concerned as Ontario sees spike in COVID-19 cases

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The recent rise of positive COVID-19 cases is leading to some health care professionals speculating that a possible second wave may be approaching. 

Ontario has reported over 1,000 new cases in the past week, totalling 45,068 cases in the province. 39 new cases were reported in the Peel region as of Monday with 57 per cent of cases from the Brampton area, 39 per cent in Mississauga and only 2 per cent in Caledon.

Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday his concerns regarding the rapid rise in confirmed cases in the province and is threatening another lockdown if numbers don't go down. 

“Together, we kept the numbers down all summer,” he remarked. “But, we all know that a second wave of this virus is coming.”

He states that the number of new cases on Monday, totalling more than 300, is concerning and that “every option is on the table.” 

The provincial government is open to commencing further shutdowns in order to lower the numbers and the risk of the spread. They have been preparing for the second wave all summer. 

“We're in much better shape when it comes to testing. We have dozens of companies in Ontario manufacturing PPE (personal protective equipment), we've invested billions of dollars to expand capacity in our health care system,” Premier Ford states. “We have not been waiting for things to get worse, before we take action.” 

Health Minister Christine Elliot claims that the reason for the high spike in cases, is due to social gatherings not adhering to the Public Health rules. Large groups are not social distancing causing high risk of spread. 

A new plan is to be announced in the fall, Elliot says, which will address the virus, flu season and healthcare capacity changes. 

“The second wave is going to be more complicated and more difficult to deal with than the first wave, because we also have flu season approaching in addition to COVID-19, we also have a reduced capacity in our hospitals because we have a number of people who were in long-term care homes,” she said. 

The province is hopeful that if everyone works together to continue flattening the curve, there won't be a need for further shut downs or backpedalling to Stage 2.

“The rise in numbers are concerning, however I'm encouraged by the cooperation of Caledon residents in adhering to Peel Public Health's Core Four Actions of washing our hands, wearing a mask, practicing safe social distancing and getting tested when needed,” stated Mayor Allan Thompson. “By doing this we will lessen the impact of a potential second wave and stay safe.” 

For more information, please visit Ontario.ca, or peelregion.ca.