Wednesday saw 9,388 new covid cases. Exit plan in the works

Despite a high 9,388 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and 7.9pc positive tests, the Health Ministry is finalizing a three-stage plan for restoring the country to near normal activity. All retail trade including malls and schools excepting Grades 5-10 will reopen in stage one, followed by culture, entertainment, gyms and pools – in part, with restaurants, cafes and events, coming last. The number of hospitalized patients remains high, 1,834, with 1,063 serious and 228 on ventilators. The death toll has risen to 3,817. 1,932,614 vaccinations were performed on Wednesday.  The timeline for ending the lockdown depends on the level of infection which is still too high. Meanwhile, there is every indication that a third week will be added to the current two-week lockdown.