New data released on Tuesday suggests Ontario’s health system will be overwhelmed unless there is a significant reduction in contacts between residents.

Projections show there will be about 500 COVID-19 patients in intensive care by January and potentially more than 1,000 by February in more severe scenarios.

MOBILITY & CONTACTS HAVE NOT DECREASED WITH CURRENT RESTRICTIONS, majority of people are following guidelines but until more do case numbers will not decrease. Yaffe says more stringent restrictions needed! 2/3 @CHCHNews #COVID19

— Matt Ingram (@MattIngramNEWS) January 12, 2021

Experts compiling projections for the government say the growth of COVID-19 is accelerating in Ontario, growing at seven per cent on the “worst days.”

They also say 40 per cent of the province’s nursing homes are experiencing outbreaks of the virus.

38 COVID-19 outbreaks declared across Hamilton, 27 in hospitals and long-term care homes

Meanwhile, deaths from this second wave COVID-19 will exceed those in the first wave.

The data projects that under the current COVID-19 restrictions, daily deaths from the virus will double from 50 to 100 by the end of February.

Deaths continue to spike in long-term care with 198 residents and 2 staff dying of the virus since Jan. 1.