Coronavirus: Latest developments in the Greater Toronto Area on May 20

Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday:

390 new coronavirus cases, 43 deaths in Ontario as total cases reach 23,774

Ontario reported 390 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 23,774 cases.

The death toll has risen to 1,962 as 43 more deaths were reported.

Meanwhile, 18,190 people have recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, which is 76 per cent of cases.

Greater Toronto Area public health units account for about 63 per cent of all cases in the province.

City of Toronto begins reopening parks amenities

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The City of Toronto has announced more than 850 parks amenities will reopen this week two months after officials shut down all amenities in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement was made on Wednesday and on the same day as the City reopened five BMX facilities, 14 skateboard parks, four disc golf locations.

In the coming days, more than 300 soccer and multi-use outdoor fields, more than 300 baseball diamonds, 150 basketball courts, picnic shelters and parking lots at parks are set to reopen.

Ontario recommends using face coverings if physical distancing a challenge

As the province begins to reopen, Premier Doug Ford says the government is recommending Ontarians use face coverings when out in public and physical distancing is a challenge amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We recommend that you wear a non-medical mask, or a face covering,” Ford said at a daily press briefing on Wednesday.

“As the chief medical officer of health has said, anything that covers your nose and mouth can help protect you and people around you,” he continued.

Premier Ford vows to increase COVID-19 testing numbers

Premier Doug Ford is vowing to increase COVID-19 testing after several days of low numbers, while also warning he will re-enact restrictions if the amount of new cases climbs.

“We’re watching the trends like a hawk right now,” Ford said Wednesday. “We’re watching the rate of the spread. We’re watching closely for any sudden surges or flare-ups…. We won’t hesitate to roll things back if necessary.”

—With files from The Canadian Press

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