Markham Mayor sounds alarm over surge in COVID-19 case counts

There are 75 active cases in Markham, 375 in region and 21 patients in hospital as of first week of October

Yorkregionc.com
October 5, 2020

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti says ramped up restrictions being applied to current COVID-19 hot spots in the province should extend into York Region as concerns mount over a surge in daily case counts.

“There is a heightened sense of anxiety right now as we watch an uptick in daily case counts," Scarpitti said on the heels of the provincial announcement that masks would be mandatory for indoor settings across the province as of Oct. 2.

The province also announced it is tightening restrictions on businesses in virus hot spots and making COVID-19 testing available by appointment only amid growing criticism over crippling lines at assessment centres, delays in getting test results and a surge in cases. On Oct. 2, the province reported a record 732 cases and a ballooning backlog of 90,513 tests.

While Scarpitti said he appreciates the province taking a consistent approach to mask use that will complement the already in-place mask requirements in York Region, he once again asked Premier Doug Ford to consider a consistent approach to municipalities that comprise the Greater Toronto Area.

"I am concerned with the rising case numbers in York Region, the GTA and Ontario," Scarpitti said.

As of the first week of October, there were 75 active cases in Markham, 375 in York Region and 21 patients in hospital for COVID-19.

York Region Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karim Kurji, informed regional council last week that the region is witnessing a second wave of the virus “arriving earlier than expected.”

Despite the fact the majority of new cases of COVID-19 during the past few weeks have been reported in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa, Scarpitti said the extra provincial public health restrictions on restaurants, bars and gyms being applied there should be extended to York, as well as other large urban areas in the GTA.

"We want to avoid becoming another COVID-19 hot spot," he said. “Strict protocols have to remain in place to ensure the safety and protection of everyone. By not doing this, it leaves our community vulnerable. We cannot let our guard down."