Province reports 2,142 new COVID-19 cases, 2,159 on Christmas Day

 

The province is reporting 2,142 new cases of COVID-19 today (Saturday, December 26) and 38 new deaths linked to the virus.

There are 541 new cases in Toronto, 344 in Peel, 262 in York Region, 136 in Hamilton, and 131 in Windsor-Essex.

Today’s case number is down from Christmas Day (December 25), which saw 2,159 new cases and 43 deaths reported.

Ontario’s province-wide lockdown, which was announced earlier this week, went into effect today.

Lockdown restrictions include no indoor organized public events or social gatherings permitted except with members of the same household. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people as long as physical distancing is maintained.

Food or drink establishments can only offer takeout, delivery, and drive-thru services, while retail stores can only offer curbside pick-up and delivery. "Essential services" will remain open, but at 50 per cent capacity.

New restrictions include the closure of drive-in movie theatres and drive-in/drive-thru community events, hardware and pet stores limited to curbside pick up or delivery, and temporarily suspending in-class learning after the holidays for elementary and secondary school students.

“All Ontarians are advised to stay home as much as possible and limit trips outside of your home to necessities,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott.