Ontario reports 551 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday

Ontario is reporting 551 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, with 38 new deaths.

The province has seen 11,735 cases – with nearly half now resolved – and 522 deaths.

The number of patients in hospital with the virus has grown slightly to 829, with 250 people in the intensive care unit (ICU). Of those in the ICU, 194 are on a ventilator.

The province says 174,170 tests have been completed since the outbreak began in January and 5,546 cases are currently under investigation.

Long term care facilities remain a dangerous zone where the virus continues to spread.

The province revealed Monday community spread of COVID-19 seems to be peaking but cases in long term care homes continue to climb.

There have been 273 deaths reported among residents and patients, including 24 new deaths since Monday’s report.

Seven more long term care homes have declared outbreaks, bringing the provincial total to 121.

As of Monday, Hamilton has 324 confirmed cases, Halton Region has 383, and Niagara Region has 384.