Update: Fivefold increase in Peel COVID-19 cases in one week, 29 confirmed Monday; Ontario has largest single-day increase by far, 351 new cases

Peel Public Health confirmed 29 new cases of COVID-19 Monday morning, bringing the region’s total to 216. This is a fivefold increase from 43 confirmed cases on the same day the week previous and the seventh consecutive day cases have risen by double digits in the region.

The spiking regional numbers come as Ontario reports the largest single-day jump since the first case of the novel coronavirus in the province was announced on Jan. 15.

In Peel, Mississauga continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases, with an increase of 15 confirmed Monday to 125 total cases, while Brampton’s official number has risen by 13 to 73 total cases. One more case was reported in Caledon, upping its total to 12. Another six cases are pending confirmation from Peel Public Health.

Peel’s increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases formed part of a disturbing spike in the province, with the Ontario Ministry of Health confirming 351 new cases Monday morning, by far the province’s largest single-day increase since the pandemic began. Ontario currently has 1,706 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus. This includes 23 deaths and 413 cases considered “resolved” with the person either recovering or fully recovered.

As of March 30, there were 15 patients admitted to hospitals operated by Trillium Health Partners (THP), Mississauga’s healthcare system, for COVID-19. It’s not known how many of those patients are in critical care. THP CEO Michelle DiEmanuele previously told city councillors that the healthcare system has 100 critical care beds available for patients with COVID-19, which it can double to 200 if necessary. There has been one death linked to COVID-19 reported by the Trillium hospital network at Mississauga Hospital.

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams released a statement Monday with stronger recommendations for the immunocompromised and individuals aged 70 and over, urging them to self-isolate at all times.

“This means only leaving home or seeing other people for essential reasons,” said Williams in a statement on the provincial government's website. “Where possible, you should seek services over the phone or internet or ask for help from friends, family or neighbours with essential errands.”

Dr. Williams also had a message for everyone living in the province: “The lives of many Ontarians, especially our community's most vulnerable citizens, is in your hands and will depend on your actions over the coming days and weeks.”

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