The South Bayview Bulldog

The shocking number of elderly people in care who are dying from COVID-19 is revealed by statistics showing that fully 75 percent of deaths in Ontario occur in retirement and care homes. Total deaths in the province number 800. The Mon Sheong Home for the Aged at 36 D’Arcy St in the Grange has seen 25 deaths with another 25 residents ill with the virus. Staff at the Mon Sheong home has been decimated with 60 employees out of 80 at home with the virus or because of necessary isolation.

A scheme to link governments, tenants and landlords in an agreement to lower rents has been put forward by the prime minister.

• Feds announce 75 per cent rent reduction for small businesses impacted by virus
• Ottawa offers rent relief for businesses as some provinces prepare to reopen economies

Donald Trump may not catch COVID-19 but he’s taking a serious beating in the media Friday for remarks made in a briefing about “inserting disinfectants” into the body to stop the virus. Trump suggested scientists should investigate inserting cleaning agents into the body as a way to combat COVID-19. CBC

The RCMP in Nova Scotia has struggled with a dead-air response to just what happened last Friday during that all-day shooting rampage by Gabriel Wortman. Friday they finally offered a timeline for events as reported by CTV. The CBC National report below tells of how Wortman was captured more or less by chance. Next, an ITV report on how Greece got a leg up on COVID-19 because so many doctors there knew that the country’s broken hospitals could not possibly cope with an epidemic. How odd.

21-year-old tears up Yonge and Dundas Sts (see below) Toronto Sun

Below that, a wild compilation by the Toronto Sun on how whacky Internet influencers have been hit by the pandemic. Finally, video of that crazy 21-year-old, now in custody, burning rubber at Yonge and Dundas. Once again Dundas Square is revealed as a mecca for teeny people and slightly older lunatics.

The Ministry of Health reports a daily count of 640 new COVID-19 cases Friday, marginally higher than Thursday’s report of 634 new cases. Statisticians say the slow increase in new cases is compatible with a slowing of the local epidemic because deaths from the virus continue to fall. Ontario reported 50 new deaths Friday against 55 Thursday. The Ministry says that recovered patients now outnumber active cases by a large number, another sign of progress. Ontario website

Posted by Holland Bloorview employee Shannon Chaplin

Shannon Chaplin has issued an invitation on behalf of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital for local residents to contribute to a new Gratitude Rock Garden at the hospital. In a post to the Leaside Cares Facebook account, she says: “If you want to help, grab a rock in your own backyard, use water-proof paint or permanent markers and decorate with kind messages or uplifting, colourful designs. You can “plant” your gratitude rocks in our garden right outside of Holland Bloorview, keep an eye out for the Gratitude Garden sign on where to place them.”

The Weather Network notes that Toronto has yet to record a temperature of 15°C during April and that means it’s entering uncharted climatic territory. Curiously, March featured three days above 15°C in Toronto. The WN says time is quickly winding down to end this chilly streak and the long-range forecast doesn’t give any confidence of attaining 15°C anytime soon.

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.