Ajax reporting 198 new COVID cases – 701 in Durham – with real numbers likely much higher

New COVID-19 cases in Durham Region surged up to 701 yesterday – nearly 200 from Ajax alone – though the numbers are very likely significantly underrepresented.

(Health officials are encouraging people with mild symptoms to stay away from emergency rooms and in fact are suggesting that if you believe you have the virus there is no need to get tested – just stay home and self-isolate.)

Oshawa, with 179, Whitby (111) and Pickering (100) also reported high number of new cases. The number of active cases in Durham is now 7,564. As of Monday there were 126 people in hospital with the virus.

The rise in outbreaks – there are now 38 – at retirement homes and long-term care homes is worrisome, and while there are no new deaths to report that could quickly change. The largest outbreaks are at Hillsdale Estates (19), Glen Hill Strathaven (13), Port Perry Place (9), Hillsdale Terraces (5) and Fairview Lodge (4).

There are just two outbreaks remaining in daycare centres and six workplace outbreaks, half of them in the food & beverage sector.