The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Newmarket now totals 16, as York Region's total cases jump by 30 to a total of 193 today, March 28.
The "tremendous" growth in confirmed cases following the return of March travellers was anticipated, York Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji said in a video released today.
All of the additional confirmed cases for March 28 are: four in Newmarket; two in Aurora; one in King; 15 in Richmond Hill; one in Markham; and 13 in Vaughan.
Most of the additional cases are reported as under investigation, indicating the likelihood of local transmission or community spread, according to York Region public health.
Twelve health care workers are among the 193 total cases. Three employees at Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham have tested positive for COVID-19, officials say, where a resident in her 70s also has tested positive for the virus.
At Southlake Regional Health Centre, six COVID-19 patients are in the 15-bed intensive care unit, officials reported at 3 p.m. today, March 28.
Inpatients at the Newmarket hospital who are under investigation for the potentially deadly disease dropped to 15, from 41 reported by the hospital March 27. As of 3 p.m. today, another 30 individuals who have been screened positive by clinicians either through Southlake’s COVID-19 assessment centre or emergency department, have been sent home to quarantine for 14 days.
Vaughan continues to be the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in York Region, with 39 per cent of the cases confirmed there. Newmarket accounts for eight per cent of the total cases in the region.
The highest number of cases, at 35 per cent, are within the 20 to 44 age group, followed by ages 55 to 64 at 25 per cent.
And COVID-19 is taking its toll equally among genders, with females accounting for 50 per cent of the cases and males 49 per cent, and one case is under investigation.
Of the 193 cases in York Region: 76 are confirmed in Vaughan; 45 in Markham; 34 in Richmond Hill; 16 in Newmarket; seven in Whitchurch-Stouffville; seven in Aurora; three in East Gwillimbury; and four in King Township. One case is outside the region. Location is pending in some cases. Eight cases are resolved.
