By: Mike Anderson

Georgina’s total confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased by 4 to 17 active cases on April 20, with institutional outbreaks in community care settings accounting for most of the infections.

According to York Region Public Health, institutional outbreaks account for 5 cases, while 12 cases are listed as under investigation, as of 5 p.m., April 20

However, public health officials are also reporting 14 cases in community care settings in Georgina, mostly in group homes. There are still no cases listed for long-term care homes.

So far, only one case in Georgina was the result of local transmission, and that case appears to be resolved. There are also no cases in hospital.

York Region’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji, in a video update on April 20, acknowledged that the outbreaks in group homes are contributing to a spike in cases. As a result, York Region Public Health is redirecting its resources to mange the group home outbreaks.

“Group homes do not have the same culture of infection prevention and control that long-term care and retirement homes have,” Dr. Karim Kurji said.

“So we have actually been asking them to screen their visitors and staff at entry and we have been asking them to monitor the residents twice daily. We have also been asking their staff to be wearing masks at all times.”

York Region reported 66 new cases of COVID-19 on April 20, the region’s highest daily increase, with total cases rising to 1,149.

The virus has caused 52 deaths in York Region, with 44 cases currently hospitalized. However, 114 cases have been resolved, which equals about 13% of total cases.

The hardest hit municipalities in York Region continue to be Vaughan with 503 cases (44%), Markham with 278 cases (24%) and Newmarket and Richmond Hill, both with 116 cases (10% each)

Mike Anderson
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