Canada's COVID caseload continues to surge

OTTAWA: The coronavirus caseload in Canada has continued to increase as the overall tally has surged 1,018,894, after 4,521 people were infected in the last 24 hours, according to authorities.

The death toll stood at 23,135, reports Xinhua news agency.

The ongoing increase in severe and critical illnesses has been placing a heavy strain on the health system in many places in the country.

Over the past week, on average there have been almost 6,100 new cases and 31 deaths reported daily, the Public Health Agency of Canada said on Tuesday.

"We are still in a crisis and so our focus remains right now on getting Canadians and Canada through this global health crisis," Health Minister Patty Hajdu said.

Ontario, the most populous province with a population of 14 million, is widening its vaccination plan in hard-hit areas and Premier Doug Ford hinted at further restrictions as the province faces a growing strain on hospitals and intensive care units from Covid-19 cases.

On Tuesday, Ontario reported 3,065 new cases and eight additional deaths.

Hospitalisations stood at 1,161, with 510 people listed as being in ICU "due to Covid-related illness". (IANS)

Also Read: Better masks, adequate ventilation must to curb COVID indoors

Also Watch: Man found dead on railway tracks in Biswanath