TORONTO — Ontario is reporting 613 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Saturday, along with 185 intensive care patients. These are slight decreases of two hospitalizations and eight patients in intensive care since the previous day.
Authorities have deplored eight new deaths attributable to COVID-19.
Provincial data shows 2,078 new infections, but chief medical officer warns true number is likely higher as access to PCR testing is restricted
About 7% of long-term care homes in the province were reporting active outbreaks of COVID-19.
Since the start of the vaccination campaign, 86% of Ontarians aged five and older have been fully vaccinated. The Ministry of Health adds that more than 7.1 million people have received a booster dose.
As of March 21, wearing a mask will no longer be mandatory in most settings in Ontario, with the exception of public transit, long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate care settings.
Other measures in schools, such as cohorts and daily on-site screening for symptoms, will also end on March 21, as will all regulatory requirements for businesses.
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This article was produced with the financial support of the Facebook and The Canadian Press News Fellowships.
