Premier Ford announced the extension of the emergency closure of non-essential business and services until Wednesday, May 6, pending any further decision.  This decision comes the same day as the Ministry of Health announced 634 new cases of COVID-19, a daily record.  The number tops Monday’s report of 606 cases. Deaths recorded overnight number 54, a figure within a range of fatalities seen in recent days. Most such deaths are occurring in long-term care homes.

Another evening on Broadway Ave. during COVID-19 lockdown/Bonnie Byford Real Estate

Scenes of quiet Toronto like Broadway Ave. west of Bayview (above) remind us of what a historic moment we are living through. Among the many ways in which we may stay in touch with life beyond our homes is a plan by the City to broadcast scenes of cherry blossom time at High Park. The park will be fully closed to the public. Mayor Tory said Wednesday the cherry blossom will be seen both live and recorded. Plans are to be released soon.

CBC report offers advice on safe grocery shopping

One routine duty — grocery shopping — is still available to us but of course, it is far from routine these days. This CBC National report talks about whether you need to wipe down boxes when you unpack. What to do when you return from the grocery store

Sleeping in, power consumption

And this CityNews chat discusses how Toronto Hydro is seeing a reduction in overall power use. Seems inevitable with so many places closed but Hydro also notes that coffee makers, toasters and other breakfast necessities are being used later in the morning. Cream sleepyhead? BT

Four of five fox cubs with mom standing guard are seen in capture from video since deleted for unknown reasons

A litter of fox cubs is seen in a capture from a video posted to the Leslieville Facebook account and since deleted. A proud momma Vixen stands guard. Some have observed that wildlife is more apparent around the City because humans have been out less.

Loblaws at 396 St. Clair Ave West

An employee at Loblaws Forest Hill market has tested positive for COVID-19. Some store employees found out about the positive test Tuesday night. In a letter sent to all employees Wednesday, obtained by CityNews, Loblaws says the infected employee “recently tested positive on a presumptive test” and was last in the store, located at 396 St. Clair Avenue West, on April 20.

The Ministry of Health Wednesday reports 510 new cases of COVID-19 and 37 new deaths. This number is down somewhat from recent daily reports. It comes as provincial health officials say Ontario will have to see the number of new cases confirmed each day go down to 200 or fewer before steps can be taken reopen the economy. “We can’t wait till we get no cases for two weeks,” Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe said. “We may be in our current state for a very long time if we do that, but we do need to have a very good system of active surveillance and identifying cases.” There are now 12,245 confirmed cases in Ontario, including 6,221 recoveries and 659 deaths.

A City-wide survey of retailers has found that close to two-thirds of them may have to end business for good within three months as they remain closed because of COVID-19. Some 17 percent said they may be forced to shut down in a month. As reported by CP24, the survey was done among businesses within 54 BIAs across Toronto under the auspices of the Broadview Danforth BIA.

The Bayview Leaside BIA has published a Google interactive map showing businesses in the association with designations for take-out service, online or fully open. It seems like a handy reference. BIA map

Heidi Steven with Mara Wienke in 2000.

Amid the grief and anger sweeping Nova Scotia following the mindless killing of 23 people Sunday, a Dutch woman, Mara Wienke, is recalling her life-long admiration of RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, one of the victims.

• Nova Scotia shooting victims: What we know about the people who died in Canada’s deadliest mass killing

Healthcare workers acknowledge salute of thanks from police, fire services on University Ave. Sunday/Fire Chief Pegg Twitter

Police, fire and paramedic staff rolled down University Ave. Sunday with a siren salute to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers on the front line of the COVID-19 war. Doubtlessly, there was similar applause in homes across the City.

Thank you to @TorontoPolice, @Toronto_Fire, @TorontoMedics, and other @cityoftoronto emergency vehicles for surrounding @UHN's hospitals to salute our heroic healthcare workers. During these unprecedented times, these moments of solidarity make all the difference. pic.twitter.com/cDbBnwwWbh

— University Health Network (@UHN) April 20, 2020

Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have peaked in Ontario, a month ahead of earlier forecasts and hospitals have largely escaped the feared surge in critically sick patients, health officials said Monday. “While earlier models predicted a peak in cases in May, public health interventions, including widespread adherence to physical distancing, have accelerated the peak to now,” reads new modelling data released Monday. “The sacrifices people are making to stay home and wash their hands are making a difference.”

• COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario peaks early, fewer people dying than feared

The total cases for the span of the outbreak are now likely less than 20,000, starkly lower than the worst-case scenario of 300,000. But the news comes with a grim reminder that deaths continue to grow in nursing and retirement homes. The CBC video shows Adalsteinn Brown, dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, saying that Ontario is now expecting a much lower number of COVID-19 cases this month than earlier models anticipated.

The South Eglinton Ratepayers and Residents Association Spring newsletter was sent in an email Monday. SERRA Newsletter