Ontario records lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in nearly eight months
Ontario is reporting the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases in nearly eight months with another drop in cases on Sunday.
Health officials reported 663 new COVID-19 cases, which is the lowest number of infections in a single day since Oct. 18, 2020.
It is also a drop from the 744 new cases reported on Saturday.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams said the COVID-19 data from the weekend will help him advise Premier Doug Ford about whether the province can reopen earlier than June 14.
Williams said during the week that possibility was looking "less promising" after cases increased for two days straight.
Step 1 allows for Ontario to relax restrictions that mainly involving outdoor activities.
Outdoor gathering limits will increase to 10 people, patios can reopen, and non-essential retail reopens at 15 per cent capacity.
There are 115 new COVID-19 cases in Toronto, 112 in Peel Region, 59 in Niagara, 47 in York Region and 40 in Ottawa.
Ontario also added 10 additional COVID-19-related deaths in the previous day, bringing the total number of fatalities since the start of the pandemic to 8,854.
Currently in Ontario, 545 people are in the hospital due to the disease, with 510 patients in intensive care units. At least 344 of those in the ICU are breathing with the help of a ventilator.
With 22,635 tests processed in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health says the positivity rate remained at 2.8 per cent on Sunday.
A further 1,222 COVID-19 cases were considered resolved on Sunday, bringing the number of active infections down in the province.
Ontario is closing in on 10 million vaccine doses and will likely cross that mark at some point on Sunday.
Since COVID-19 vaccines starting rolling out, 9,992,575 doses have been given to Ontarians.
Over the past 24-hour period, 158,393 doses were administered.
More than one million people are now considered fully vaccinated, with 1,031,520 people who have received both shots.
Background
The numbers used in this story are found in the Ontario Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Daily Epidemiologic Summary. The number of cases for any city or region may differ slightly from what is reported by the province, because local units report figures at different times.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

U.S. judge rules Donald Trump defrauded banks, insurers while building real estate empire
A U.S. judge ruled Tuesday that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House, and he ordered some of the former president's companies removed from his control and dissolved.
Anthony Rota resigns as House Speaker amid condemnation for inviting Nazi veteran to Parliament
Anthony Rota has resigned from his prestigious position as Speaker of the House of Commons over his invitation to, and the House's subsequent recognition of, a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War. Now, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing calls to apologize, and investigate.
Details leading up to Hardeep Singh Nijjar's death revealed
A long-time, close friend of Hardeep Singh Nijjar says the Sikh activist found a tracking device underneath his car before he was killed outside the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in June.
Hollywood writers strike declared over after boards vote to approve contract with studios
Hollywood's writers strike was declared over after nearly five months Tuesday night when board members from their union approved a contract agreement with studios, bringing the industry at least partly back from a historic halt in production.
Five workers picketing in UAW strike hit by vehicle outside Flint-area plant
About five people picketing in the United Auto Workers strike outside a Flint-area General Motors plant suffered minor injuries Tuesday when a vehicle leaving the plant struck them, police said.
ER doctor challenging 'toxic environment' in Ontario hospital after secret investigation based on unfounded murder allegation
After more than 30 years of caring for critically ill patients in emergency and intensive care, Dr. Scott Anderson is preparing to face off against the hospital where he works in London, Ont., in a case described as "unusual" by lawyers and potentially costly for Ontario taxpayers.
Canadian women's soccer team earns Olympic berth with win over Jamaica
The Canadian women's national soccer team has clinched a spot in the 2024 Paris Games after defeating Jamaica 4-1 on aggregate in Olympic qualifying.
Health Canada is recalling these smart plugs over an electric shock risk
Health Canada has issued a recall notice for certain smart plugs due to the risk of electric shock.
Is broadband essential, like water or electricity? New net neutrality effort makes the case
Landmark net neutrality rules rescinded under former President Donald Trump could return under a new push by U.S. Federal Communications Commission chair Jessica Rosenworcel. The rules would reclassify broadband access as an essential service on par with other utilities like water or power.