The Canadian province of Ontario on Monday reported 404 additional cases of COVID-19, which is a 1.5 per cent jump in newly-confirmed infections — and premier Doug Ford says that rise is somewhat driven by over 80 migrant workers in southwestern Ontario who tested positive for the virus.
The overall number marks a slight increase relative to daily growth rates seen over the last week. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Ford said he would address the issue of infection among migrant workers with public health officials, both to ensure the workers get tested to keep them safe, and to keep the supply chain safe.
At her own news conference Monday, Associate Medical Officer of Health Barbara Yaffe said there had been a confirmed outbreak in Norfolk County where 85 workers tested positive and five were admitted to hospital.
Yaffe said temporary foreign workers are “essential workers providing essential duties,” and added that public health measures are in place to prevent infection and spread on Ontario farms.
“They are very important part of the farming industry in Ontario,” she said.
The new cases come as the number of tests processed dropped below the province’s target of 16,000 after four straight days of surpassing the benchmark.
Ontario’s network of about 20 labs processed 14,379 samples yesterday. It has the capacity to complete up to 25,000 on any given day, according to the Ministry of Health. The backlog of test samples waiting to be processed sits at 6,427.
(CBC)
