York Region's COVID-19 numbers rise with temperatures

Coronavirus cases rise from between 16 to 35 to a whopping 49 on May 22

Yorkregion.com
May 25, 2020
Jeremy Grimaldi

Was it Mother's Day that got us?

We're not sure we'll ever know what was the spark, but one thing is for sure: May 22 and 23 the numbers shot up like a bolt.

Following a week that saw COVID-19 numbers dip as low as 16 on May 10 and 19 on May 18, numbers have risen to 49 cases on May 22 and then 41 cases on May 23.

Throughout the province, there were 460 cases on Sunday, after recording 294 on May 9.

The rise comes just days after the province began the first stages of reopening businesses and stores.

During a news conference on May 22, Premier Doug Ford said that he will not hesitate to roll things back if the cases continue.

He further noted that now even asymptomatic people can attend 129 COVID-19 assessment centres to get tests.

Ford also expressed his disappointment at the photos that have emerged of Trinity Bellwoods park on Saturday, showing many people enjoying the sun, some of whom were not social distancing.

Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said the bump might be down to folks visiting their families during recent holidays, like the one on May 10.

“Our analysis thus far suggests that people may have acquired the virus during recent events where people traditionally spend time with their families, like Mother’s Day,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, speaking at Friday’s COVID-19 news conference at city hall.

For a better idea of how the week has looked throughout York Region, here are some more numbers: On May 19 York Region saw 25 cases, on May 20 there were 34 cases and on May 21 there were 29 cases.