Ontario confirms 43 new COVID-19 cases, bringing provincial total to 146

Ontario announced 43new confirmedcases of COVID-19 on Sunday morning, bringing the provincial total to 146.

Five of thosepatients are no longer infectious, the provincial government said on its website.

Among the newly confirmed cases,14 patients are in Toronto, five are in Peel Region and three are in York Region. Two are from Grey Bruce and were recently on a cruise,while another is from Peterborough and recently travelled to Spain and Portugal. Three are in Hamilton.

Late Sunday evening, asecond case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Sudbury.

All are self-isolating, except one personin Simcoe-Muskokawho ishospitalized.

Officials in Toronto, meanwhile, arecontinuing efforts to containtheCOVID-19 outbreak. The city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade is not happening, church services have been cancelled, and several YMCAs in the GTA have been shut down.

Somestores are also shutting down to help stop the spread.

Nike Inc. said Sunday it was closing all stores in Canada and the U.S., among several other countries, starting on Monday to March27.

Clothing retailer Urban Outfitters is also closing until at least March 28.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto has cancelled all public masses for today, and Anglican churches arealso pausing services.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health recommended on Friday thatallevents and public gatherings of over 250 people should be suspended.

There is now a long list of cancelled events and closed attractions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and Ontario Science Centre.GTAmunicipalities are halting several services,including libraries and city-rundaycares.

The City of Toronto hasupdated its websitewith all city services and facilities.

Canadian public health officials continue to urge hygiene measures such as frequenthandwashingand social distancing.

The virus has infected more than 150,000 people worldwide and killed upwards of 5,600 globally, including one person in British Columbia.