TORONTO — Ontario is reporting another record in new daily COVID-19 infections as the government considers additional measures to curb surging cases.
The province logged 4,812 new cases today, up from Thursday's record of 4,736.
It is also reporting 25 more deaths related to the virus.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says 1,469 of the new cases are in Toronto, 851 are in Peel Region, 491 are in York Region, 366 are in Ottawa and 268 are in Durham Region.
The province could announce new public health restrictions today, following recommendations made to cabinet.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said "everything is on the table" when asked about possible new restrictions on Thursday.
She would not say what specific measures cabinet was considering, or could be announced today.
Ontario's science advisory co-chair Dr. Adalsteinn Brown is also expected to provide an updated pandemic modelling briefing today.
The province's associate medical officer of health said Thursday the situation in the province is "dire" and worse than any other point in the pandemic.
The head of the Ontario Hospital Association said Friday the latest data from Critical Care Services Ontario show 684 COVID-19 patients in adult intensive care units, including 74 new admissions.
Meanwhile, another health network in Toronto says it will temporarily stop administering first doses of COVID-19 vaccines at two hospital-based clinics due to supply issues.
Unity Health says the clinics at St. Joseph's and St. Michael's hospitals will close Sunday for at least a week, though existing appointments will not be cancelled.
The decision was made so the network can focus on vaccinating high-risk groups, including health-care workers and residents in hot spot areas, through pop-up clinics, mobile outreach and home visits, Unity Health said on its website.
Earlier this week, Scarborough Health Network and University Health Network said they were forced to cancel appointments and close immunization clinics as a result of vaccine shortages.
Both have said they will reopen their clinics as soon as they receive more vaccines.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 16, 2021.
The Canadian Press
