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TORONTO — Ontario health officials announced four new cases of the novel coronavirus Monday, bringing the total in the province to 35, but the health minister said she is not recommending a ban at this time on large, public gatherings.

Christine Elliott said the advice right now from Ontario’s top health officials is that it is not required. The virus isn’t circulating locally. All of the cases have been linked to recent travel or have been in close contacts — such as spouses — of those infected while travelling.

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“I think it’s really important that we respond to the situation that’s happening in Ontario and not move according to what other countries have been doing, because they have their own particular circumstances,” Elliott said.

“We do have a plan in place and we will escalate as — and when — we see the need to do so.”

Elliott made the comments moments before public health officials in British Columbia announced a man had died of COVID-19 at a long-term care home in North Vancouver — believed to be the first fatality caused by the new coronavirus in Canada.