Ontario sees 408 new COVID-19 cases, with death toll at 146

LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES IN ONTARIO ON SUNDAY:

• Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon has reported another death, bringing their total to 23.
• Canada's largest prison for women is in partial lockdown as it deals with a COVID-19 outbreak.
• Hundreds of military members moving to Canadian Armed Forces base in Borden, forming new task force ready to fight COVID-19.
• More non-essential businesses had to close Saturday night at 11:59 p.m. New shutdowns include cannabis stores and some construction sites.
• Ontario has  4,038 confirmed cases and 146 deaths related to COVID-19, according to CBC tallies.
• St Clair O'Connor Community Inc. long-term care home in Toronto has reported four patient deaths​​​
• Canada has had a total of 14,018 cases. Around the world, 1,197,405 cases have been recorded.

Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon says 23 people at the home have now died related to COVID-19, as Ontario reports 408 new cases on Sunday.

Ontario has 146 deaths related to COVID-19, according to CBC tallies. The provincial case count is now at 4,038.

Meanwhile, 230 more people have recovered from the illness, the province says, for a total of 1,448.

As Bobcaygeon grapples with another death, Pinecrest administrator Mary Carr says staff are wearing full personal protective equipment at all times.

"This includes masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields," Carr said in a statement. "I cannot thank our front-line staff enough for their continued dedication to the care of our residents."

COVID-19 outbreak at prison for women 

Canada's largest prison for women is in partial lockdown as it deals with a COVID-19 outbreak, according to Union of Canadian Correctional Officers.

Five inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, while two more tests are still being processed, according to Correctional Service Canada. The union says one prison guard has also tested positive for the virus. 

Military members across Ontario moving to Borden

As case numbers rise, people will see more military troops and vehicles between the GTA and Borden starting Monday, as the Canadian Armed Forces sets up a task force for fighting COVID-19.

Hundreds of military members will be moving to the Borden military base from across Ontario, where they will be "kept ready to respond" to future requests for help from the federal government, says the Department of National Defence.

Physical distancing enforcement blitz continues

Meanwhile, officers in Toronto and Mississauga continue a physical distancing enforcement blitz this weekend. People standing less than two metres apart could be fined up to $1,000 in certain Toronto public spaces, provided they don't live together.

In Mississauga, Mayor Bonnie Crombie said Sunday that they have issued two $750 tickets for failing to comply with Ontario's emergency order.

"Both were using a clearly signed skate park and disrespecting physical distancing. They were aware of the closure but used the park anyway," said Crombie on Twitter. "This behaviour won't be tolerated."

Cannabis stores, many construction sites now closed

More Ontario businesses and construction sites were ordered to shut their doors last night, as the province's COVID-19 death toll rises to 135, according to CBC tallies.

Businesses including cannabis stores and many construction sites are no longer permitted to operate as of Sunday, in an expanded effort to slow the virus spread.

Online school program starts on Monday

Students across Ontario are set to start the province's  "teacher-led" learn-at-home program on Monday. Education Minister Stephen Lecce has previously said teachers will be issuing final grades and report cards, meaning work completed at home will be graded.

Ontario has said publicly-funded schools will remain closed until May 1 for teachers and May 4 for students.

Applications open Monday for Canada Emergency Response Benefit

People who have lost work due to COVID-19 can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit starting at 6 a.m. on Monday. The benefit provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

To help manage the applications, the federal government says people born in certain months should apply on certain days, specified here.

People who are already eligible for employment insurance can continue to apply through EI and Service Canada.

Province spends $40M to support vulnerable groups

The province has announced $40 million for organizations that support several vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 crisis. The aid will assist residential services and shelters for children, people with developmental disabilities and women fleeing domestic violence.

The government says the aid will cover the cost of staffing and personal protective equipment.