News Release
April 6, 2020

Today, Mayor John Tory, based on the professional advice of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, urged residents to continue staying at home and keeping their distance from others during the upcoming holidays.

The City of Toronto is continuing to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. All residents are reminded they are an important part of this response as we work to flatten the curve in Toronto.

Toronto Public Health is reporting there are now 1,301 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 69 cases from yesterday. Of the cases, 1078 cases are confirmed and 223 are probable, 77 cases have recovered, 145 are in hospital with 60 in ICU. In Toronto, there have been 32 deaths to-date. This data was extracted from the Integrated Public Health Information System at 1 p.m. The numbers may differ from other sources as data are extracted at different times.

In the coming weeks, people across our city will be observing Passover, Easter, and the start of Ramadan. Normally an opportunity to spend time with family and faith-based communities, the City urges everyone to continue to follow provincial orders closing places of worship and limiting gatherings, and public health recommendations to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons.  

Dr. de Villa is advising all Torontonians to stay home and not host family and friends over the coming holidays. The Government of Canada has also prohibited foreign nationals, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada for non-essential travel, which includes holiday celebrations. Anyone that does enter the country, including Canadians returning from travel, is required, by law, to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of whether they have symptoms of COVID-19.

The City of Toronto recognizes the importance of spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing during these important times. People are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Many places of worship are hosting services online and implementing innovative ways to connect their communities while staying physically apart. Residents should check the website of their place of worship for information on online services and supports.

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre has also been working closely with grocery partners. Large grocery chains and smaller local grocers have expressed concerns for the health and safety of their workers and the supply of available goods should demand ramp up for upcoming faith-based holidays.

Those planning to celebrate a faith-based holiday with a special meal for members of their household should be mindful of the current situation in the wider community. Grocers are anticipating that tomorrow and the upcoming Thursday and Saturday will be popular shopping days and ask people to limit shopping on these days. General advice for grocery shopping remains:
• Grocery shop only one day per week and buy only what you need for up to two weeks
• Respect store hours dedicated to seniors, vulnerable persons, and essential service workers (normally the first hour stores are open)
• Have a list of items, shop efficiently, and do not casually browse
• Do not touch food or products you are not intending to buy
• Practise physical distancing
• When possible, pay with a card or phone tap rather than cash

There are also many opportunities to foster the spirit of upcoming holidays through donations to local food banks. Residents who are able are encouraged to donate non-perishable food to food banks or drop off food donations at local fire halls. Needed essentials include:
• canned fish and meat
• canned beans and pulses
• canned tomatoes
• rice and quinoa
• cooking oil
• baby formula and diapers

A map of food banks is available on the 211 website, https://www.211toronto.ca/topic/food.

Those feeling isolated or anxious during the holidays are encouraged to seek mental health supports Information on COVID-19 crisis and mental health supports are listed on our website at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-health-advice/.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

Quotes:

“The faith communities of our city are always ready to do what they can to help anyone in need. This year, that commitment to helping others means staying home and staying physically apart. I am very impressed at how faith leaders have adapted in the face of COVID-19 to offer online supports and services. They are helping save lives by demonstrating their commitment to physical distancing while meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of our community.”
– Mayor John Tory

“Following the advice of the Medical Officer of Health, I am pleading with everyone across our city to not attend or host celebrations or meals marking the many faith-based observances this month. Each of us has a moral and social obligation to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the lives of vulnerable people in our community.”
– Councillor James Pasternak, York Centre (Ward 6)

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 http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

Media Relations