The latest:
- Tam urges Canadians to celebrate Diwali ‘differently’ and safely this year.
- Ontario, Quebec report record increase in new COVID-19 cases.
- Manitoba announces 15 new deaths, most for a single day.
- Nova Scotia sees 6 new cases — the most in a day since May.
- Russia, U.S. report single-day highs for new infections.
- Have a coronavirus question or news tip for CBC News? Email us at [email protected]
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, has urged Canadians taking part in Diwali and Bandi Chlor Divas festivities, important to many in South Asian communities, to celebrate safely as Canada fights a rising number of COVID-19 cases.
In one of a series of tweets posted Saturday, she noted these traditions “typically include large gatherings.” She said she recognizes “the emotional difficulty of keeping physically apart from family and friends.”
“This year, I encourage Canadians to celebrate this holiday differently — to be creative and celebrate safely,” Tam said, suggesting virtual celebrations and gatherings in “large open spaces.”
On Friday, during a media briefing in Ottawa, Tam said country’s continued spike in COVID-19 cases is “very worrisome” and that a major driver in the increase is informal and social gatherings and activities, both inside and outside homes.
1/2 Like many celebrations, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas typically include large gatherings of family & friends. This year, I encourage Canadians to celebrate this holiday differently – to be creative and celebrate safely.<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/VirtualDiwali?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#VirtualDiwali</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyDiwali?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#HappyDiwali</a>
—@CPHO_Canada
“In these more relaxed settings, such as family get-togethers, birthday parties, holiday celebrations and recreational activities, it is natural to relax … and it is easy to forget and to let our guard down on the necessary precautions,” she said.
Tam said modelling suggests Canada is on track to record 10,000 new cases a day by early December, “if we continue on the current pace.”
The number of severe cases continues to rise, with an average daily increase of 1,400 hospitalizations, including 280 in critical care, she said.
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh posted a video on Twitter urging people to stay home over Diwali, the five-day festival of lights that began Saturday and is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world.
For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release from prison and arrival in Amritsar — at the start of Diwali — of spiritual leader Guru Hargobind Sahib hundreds of years ago.
As you celebrate Diwali, Deepawali & Bandi Chhor Divas this weekend – I extend my warmest wishes<br><br>I know this year will be tough<br><br>But, I encourage you to respect guidelines, stay home & help overcome this pandemic<br><br>And, I promise we’ll celebrate together in the years to come <a href=”https://t.co/lh3ohkeMs1″>pic.twitter.com/lh3ohkeMs1</a>
—@theJagmeetSingh
What’s happening across Canada
As of 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, provinces and territories in Canada had reported a cumulative total of 290,598 confirmed or presumptive coronavirus cases. Provinces and territories listed 232,872 cases as recovered or resolved. A CBC News tally of deaths based on provincial reports, regional health information and CBC’s reporting stood at 10,888.
Manitoba said Saturday 15 more people have died of COVID-19, marking the highest single-day increase in fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic. There are also 239 new cases, the province said.
Ontario reported 1,581 new cases, hitting a new daily high.
Meanwhile, a total of 112 residents and 60 staff members have contracted the coronavirus at a Toronto long-term care home, says the company that owns and operates the facility.
Quebec, which has seen more reported COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other Canadian province, topped more than 1,400 new cases for the first time. In addition to the record 1,448 new infections, the province also reported 25 more deaths.
Nova Scotia reported six new cases Saturday — the largest single-day increase in cases since May 15.
“I am concerned that people are not taking the virus seriously and putting others in jeopardy,” Premier Stephen McNeil said in a news release from the Department of Health and Wellness.
New Brunswick also announced six new cases — the largest single-day increase in nearly a month.
Newfoundland and Labrador recorded two new cases. The province said both are travel-related, one returning from Ontario and the other from the U.S.
Prince Edward Island’s revised pandemic visitor and compassionate grounds visitation protocol is expected to come into effect next week, and will apply both to public and private facilities on P.E.I.
What’s happening around the world
As of Saturday morning, more than 53.4 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, with more than 34.5 million of those considered recovered, according to a tracking tool maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The global death toll stood at more than 1.3 million, the database reported.
In Europe, Russia has reported a new one-day high in the number of confirmed coronavirus infections recorded. The national virus taskforce reported 22,702 new cases and 391 more virus-related deaths on Saturday. Russia’s highest daily death toll of the pandemic, 439, was reported on Thursday.
In Asia, India’s overall tally of new coronavirus cases remained steady on Saturday, but rising numbers in New Delhi coincide with a busy festival season nationwide, with millions celebrating Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
WATCH | Indian officials worry Diwali gatherings could spread COVID-19:
Many people in India have reduced the size of their Diwali gatherings, but officials worry celebrations may fuel the spread of COVID-19 in the country. 2:27
In the Americas, the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus has soared to a new daily high in the U.S. Data from Johns Hopkins University indicates the number of confirmed cases reached 184,514 on Friday, as the number of people infected continues to surge.
In Africa, the continent has seen more than 1.9 million confirmed cases and more than 46,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. South Africa leads the continent on both counts, having recorded more than 746,000 infections and more than 20,000 deaths.
