Ontario confirms 24 new COVID-19 cases, bringing provincial total to 103

As Toronto began its first day without major city services, Ontario confirmed24new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the provincial total to 103.

Nine of the new patients are in Toronto and one is in Peel. All areself-isolating, the Ministry of Health says.

Toronto has now closedpublic libraries, city-rundaycares and community centres, as officials try toslow the rate of COVID-19 infection. Major attractions are shutting down and various events have been cancelled including Mirvish theatre performances and TIFF Bell Lightbox showings.

Several Out of the Cold sites closing

Meanwhile, nineOut of the Cold sites are set to close, saying Saturday it was in the best interests of their guests' health.

"Our guests are eating and sleeping in such close proximity they are coughing and sneezing on each other," said an open letter signed by nine sites, noting they do not operate with shelter standards.

They called on Mayor John Tory to immediately authorize a replacement Red Cross shelter for 100 people,whichwould have sufficient space between beds and adequate hygiene facilities. Their guests are "extremely vulnerable," the letter said, with many guests elderly and having pre-existing health conditions.

A spokesperson for the city told CBC News that alternate locations would be available at St. Luke's United Church 353 Sherbourne St which will offer 40 beds, for one night on March 15; and at 188 Carlton St, offering 45 beds for the rest of the Out of the Cold season, from March 18.

Province says there's 'plenty of food'

To curb the spread, more than50,000 employees of the Ontario Public Service are being asked to work remotely until April 3 "where operationally feasible."

Meanwhile, provincial ministers assured people Ontariohas "plenty of food"aftershoppers stormedgrocery stores this week.

"Please practice normal grocery buying habits," said a statement from Health Minister Christine Elliott and Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman."Rest assured that our grocery production and supply chain will continue to provide Ontarians with the food we enjoy each and every day."

Mirvish cancels shows, TIFF Bell Lightbox closes

It will be a much quieter weekend in the city, with several majorevents and attractions shuttered including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Sugar Shack TO festival.

On Saturday, Mirvish theatres announced Saturday they were suspending performances until April 12, including hit shows like Hamilton and Come from Away.The TIFF Bell Lightbox also announced Saturday it was closing until April 14.

Meanwhile, Ontario studentsare starting three weeks offschool during a dearth of March Break camp and childcare options. Several universities are also halting in-person classes.

The citycancelledprograms and closed several facilities as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, on advice from Toronto's medical officer of health. The closures will last until at least April 5.

The cities of Markham,Mississauga and Brampton havealso closed major facilities and cancelledall programs, including March Break camps.

The TTC will continue to operate, as will shelters and long-term care homesalthough with stricter visitor restrictions. Emergency services will not be affected.

No more personal visits for inmates

Ontario also announced late Friday it will no longer allow personal visits forinmates, although they canstill have visits from legal counsel. People who only serve time on weekends will be allowed to stay home.

The federal government is also suspendingcitizenship tests and ceremonies.

• GO Transit reduces services, universities close: What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ontario

• 'Like a petri dish': Advocates worry Toronto's homeless shelters are ill-prepared for COVID-19

Mayor self-isolating, returning travellers encouraged to do the same

City Manager Chris Murray announced the Toronto shutdowns Friday, saying they were necessary to help slow the rate of COVID-19 infections and protect vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, Mayor John Tory is in self-isolation after returning from Britain on Wednesday.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa is strongly encouraging everyone to self-isolate for 14 days upon arriving in Toronto from any country, including the United States.

The Ontario government says it's launched a $10 million public awareness campaign to help stop the spread.

The province says it will run ads on multiple platformsto "inform the public about the latest advice from our Medical Officer of Health."