At today’s COVID-19 update, Mayor John Tory and Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, again urged residents to not hold big Thanksgiving gatherings and to limit celebrations to only the people you live with, in the same household, under the same roof. For those who live alone, the safest option is to join others virtually.
Dr. de Villa provided an update on COVID-19 data modeling projections and underscored the importance of why action is needed now to reduce virus spread. Individual actions and the choices we make play a significant part in arresting and reversing the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 and stopping virus spread. Thanksgiving is everyone’s opportunity to do the right thing by gathering only within your household, or with others virtually.
There are 21,315 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 187 new cases today. There are 83 people hospitalized, an increase of seven new people. In total, 17,700 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, there have been 1,308 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
Under the Provincial Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, private gatherings in Toronto remain limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. This includes social gatherings in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas for parties, dinners, barbecues and wedding receptions. In bars and restaurants, the City bylaw limiting capacity to 75 patrons comes into effect tomorrow, October 8. The bylaw also requires contact tracing information for each patron and that music be no louder than the level of conversation. People are reminded that while going to bars and restaurants is legally permitted, public health advice remains to only go out for essential reasons and practice physical distancing from those not in your household.
The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team continues to respond to complaints and enforce provincial orders and bylaws across the city, including in bars, restaurants and parks. Over the last two days, the COVID-19 Enforcement Team has issued seven notices and two tickets related to business operations and two tickets related to activities in parks. Ten notices and one ticket have also been issued related to private gatherings. In total, 1,517 tickets have been issued to date. Complaints about gatherings and other COVID-19-related orders should be submitted to the City via 311.
A complaint by the public that a law or bylaw is being contravened must be investigated and confirmed by an enforcement officer before a charge can be laid. Once investigated, if compliance is not being met, enforcement officers have the discretion to lay a charge or issue a notice to ensure compliance in the future.
All people in Toronto should adopt steps for self-protection. Individuals should only consider leaving their homes for essential activities such as work, education and fitness. As much as possible, residents are asked to limit contact with people not in the same household, keep at least six feet apart from people not in the same household and wear a mask when outside of their homes, especially in indoor settings and when physical distancing is difficult. Residents should wash hands frequently and remain at home when ill. Toronto Public Health also encourages residents to download the COVID Alert app, which can help to notify individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 in the community.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
Dr. de Villa’s remarks from today’s press conference are available online as well as the slides from today’s presentation.
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