Mayor John Tory, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and Fire Chief and General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg, today, provided an update on the City’s continuing response to COVID-19.
As of this afternoon, there are 6,665 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 6,019 confirmed cases and 646 probable cases. There are 391 cases hospitalized, with 99 in intensive care units. We continue to see COVID-19 deaths; to date, 504 people in Toronto have died from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform at toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto.
The decreasing number of COVID-19 cases represents residents’ commitment to public health measures and protecting the community, but we need to continue remaining diligent and continue to practise physical distancing when outside.
Dr. de Villa continues to encourage active modes of transportation such as walking or biking during the COVID-19 outbreak. These activities can significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve mental health. While the risk for becoming infected with the virus when quickly passing someone on a walking trail or bike path is low, Dr. de Villa reminds residents to work together to maintain physical distancing by stepping aside or passing others quickly and courteously.
The fight against COVID-19 continues and the majority of Toronto residents are doing their part to help stop the spread of this virus. Yesterday, the City received 210 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued one ticket – bringing the total number of tickets issued under City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to 621 since April 3. Bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 14,000 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.
The City also received 27 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 113 tickets and 236 notices to non-essential businesses.
An important note for residents in the Beach: there is a family of foxes under the boardwalk and the public is reminded to never interfere with, handle or feed wildlife. Wildlife that lose their fear of humans can pose dangers to people, as well as themselves. Barricades have now been erected near the fox den and bylaw officers are patrolling the area and encouraging people to not stop to look at the foxes. Dog owners are also reminded to keep their dogs on a leash at all times.
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.
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“I am confident that Toronto will get through this. Just as we found new ways to work and come together as a community over these last eight weeks. We are finding new ways to live with the threat of this virus and at the same time to make sure our lives and our city can adapt and change as required so that we can maintain our hard-earned status as one of the world’s most successful and liveable big cities.”
– Mayor John Tory
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at facebook.com/cityofto.