Canada's most populous province pleads with citizens to get tested for coronavirus

The premier of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, on Sunday pleaded with citizens who are worried they may have contracted the coronavirus to get tested, as officials try to prevent a surge in cases.

Doug Ford also condemned the thousands of people who flocked to a public park in Toronto on Saturday, flouting rules on social distancing. Canada's total death toll edged up by 1.6% to 6,380 on Sunday from Saturday, public health agency data showed. Although officials say the outbreak is clearly winding down nationally, Ontario has recorded a steady rise in recent days.

"Our best defense right now is to ramp up testing," Ford said in a five-minute address to Ontarians, adding that the virus "will spread like wildfire" unless checked. "I'm here to ask for your help today ... if you're worried you have COVID-19, or that you've been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 - even if you're not showing symptoms - please go get a test," said Ford.

"The only way we can get those numbers where they need to be is for everyone who feels they need it to get a test ... we can open up the economy if we see the numbers going down." The province will announce a detailed testing strategy next week, said Ford.

He also expressed shock at images of large crowds in Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto - Canada's largest city - in the Saturday sun. "I thought it was a rock concert ... we just can't have that right now, it's just too many people, too close," he said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said the images were "unfortunate and extremely disappointing" and promised an increased police presence on Sunday. The city has reopened some parks on the understanding that people will obey physical distancing rules.

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