The 4,301 new infections bring Ontario's COVID-19 case total to 169,411, including deaths and recoveries. Forty-three people also died of infection on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths reported since the pandemic began to 4,359. Thirty-nine of the eighty-one deaths reported in the past 48 hours were among residents of long-term care homes. Provincewide lockdown beginsMeanwhile, a provincewide lockdown meant to bring down COVID-19 case counts takes effect today in Ontario. The restrictions will remain in place for southern Ontario until Jan. 23, but will lift for northern Ontario on Jan. 9.

Source: CBC News December 26, 2020 11:50 UTC