Ontario dentists and other health care providers will be allowed to reopen as soon as their respective supervisory colleges grant approval. The announcement came Tuesday and also lists chiropractors, optometrists and physiotherapists. Some have still remained open on an emergency basis. All regulated health professionals were ordered to cease all non-essential or elective work on March 19, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Toronto COVID-19 frequency map, navigation is a bit vague
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Toronto has published a map that shows in general terms the frequency of COVID-19 infections. As expected, it appears to show many fewer cases of the virus in the central areas like South Bayview. But the map, as can be seen in the City News report above, is not very precise. It does not show streets or names that would assist in knowing detail.
Ad hoc information so far
Ad hoc reporting has indicated the GTA is responsible for as much as 75 percent of virus cases in Ontario but there has been no official breakdown. The GTA has about six million people of the province-wide population total of 14.5 million. And, of course, they live closer together. It was indicated by Peel Region officials last week that the region was something of a hotbed of infection. The postal code breakdown is available province-wide. So far Queen’s Park has stalled on releasing it although there are suggestions from the Ministry of Health it may do so.
What? Media gadfly says Star’s new owners support the CPC
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Paul Rivett
Joseph Edward Atkinson
Jordan Bitove
Media gadfly Ethan Cox says Wednesday that the new bosses of Torstar, owner of the centre-left and capital L Liberal Toronto Star, are contributors to the Conservative Party of Canada. They are Paul Rivett and Jason Bitove. Joseph Edward Atkinson, a Victorian reformer whose heirs have guided the Star for 120 years, might not approve. Richochet
Hopes lifted as Ontario finds 292 new cases on Wednesday
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The Ministry of Health has reported 292 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, five more cases than Tuesday but a welcome number nonetheless. It is the second day that new virus cases have numbered less than 300 and far off the 400 range seen through mid-May. Fingers crossed.
J.K. Rowling rushes out fairy tale book for children at home
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Ontario pushes playground, pool, eatery closures to June 9
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Closed until at least June 9
In a move that was not unexpected, the Ontario government has extended its COVID-19 emergency orders another two weeks. In a statement released Wednesday, the province said the orders will now be in place until June 9. The emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, public swimming pools, bars and restaurants, as well as restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people. Premier Ford continues to encourage Ontarians to get tested for the virus. “If you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus, go to an assessment centre and get tested. Please stay safe.” Full release
NHL will finish season with 24 teams in two cities as it can
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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says 24 teams will head right into a playoff format in two hub cities (not yet named) as soon as health authorities deem it safe. Bettman announced the league’s plan for return in a video message in which he says the 2019-2020 season is now considered complete. “We remain focused on the safety of our players, coaches, support staff and arena personnel. We will not set dates, choose sites or begin to play until it is appropriate and prudent and are approved to do so,” said Bettman.
Food drive drop off, horn-honk pickup offered on weekend
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The Thorncliffe emergency food drive continues this weekend (May 30-31) with a chance to drop off donations at the Valu-Mart parking lot on Saturday. On Sunday, realtor Patrick Rocca is promising to ride the Access Storage van through Leaside and Davisville Village honking the horn as they go. That’s when you can hail them down and add your donation.
Is carmaggeden sneaky use of COVID-19 to add bike lanes?
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City Council’s plan to suddenly increase bicycle lanes on main streets like Danforth Ave. is drawing criticism as seen on the Danforth Residents Facebook page. Some think pro-bike planners have chosen a convenient moment when people are distracted by COVID-19 to quickly rush bike lanes that have been widely opposed in normal times. Opinion pieces talking about carmaggeden (whatever that is) seem curious. FB
McSorley’s thank you for any business anywhere on Bayview
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The latest mail from McSorley’s Saloon recalls with fondness how happy throngs would normally be gathering at this well-known meeting place in Tuesday’s warm weather. Among other bits of interesting information, McSorley’s thanks residents for continuing to do business on South Bayview Ave. in whatever form is possible. Newsletter
Architect slips Victorian oval into new Summerhill flat roof
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138 Roxborough St West in 2014
Same address in May
These two homes seen on the same lot six years apart in Summerhill are certainly different. But note how the architect has transplanted a Victorian oval window into his 21st Century design. Interesting how the roof seems to be on pillars.
Ministry counts 287 new virus cases, least since late March
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The Ministry of Health is reporting an overnight total of 287 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. It represents a sharp fall from recent totals near 400 and higher. But as weary Ontarians well know, one day’s results do not mean the end of the infection. Health officials and statisticians have said that 200 new cases a day might justify re-opening the economy. Daily summaries since late March
