Health officials in Ontario have watched the new coronavirus sweep through other parts of the world, straining those countries’ health systems. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), said Ontario is preparing for the worst-case scenario but so far hasn’t seen the need to increase capacity in hospitals. About 20 per cent of cases will have severe symptoms and need hospital care, with some requiring specialized treatment in intensive care units (ICUs). This measure will also keep people who otherwise don’t need care out of hospital and reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. The province is also prepared to use both decommissioned hospitals and new, yet-to-open hospitals in Ontario if there is drastic need for additional hospital beds, Smith said.

Source: thestar March 13, 2020 00:46 UTC