Today, Mayor John Tory, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and Fire Chief and Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg provided an update on the City’s continuing response to COVID-19.
Toronto Public Health is reporting there are now 1,769 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Of the cases, 1,519 cases are confirmed and 250 are probable, 174 are in hospital with 76 in ICU. In Toronto, there have been 54 deaths to-date. This data was extracted from the Integrated Public Health Information System at 12:30 p.m. The numbers may differ from other sources as data are extracted at different times.
The City is urging residents to continue staying at home and keeping their distance from others during the upcoming holidays, leaving only for essential reasons. Residents are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone.
The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team will continue to conduct coordinated enforcement efforts throughout the long weekend in locations with the most activity. Officers continue to observe people participating in prohibited activities in City parks, including gathering in groups larger than five, not practising physical distancing, using closed parks amenities and allowing dogs to run off leash in public areas.
Yesterday, the City received 30 complaints related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing and Standards has issued five charges and 41 notices to non-essential businesses.
In addition, yesterday the City received 356 complaints involving people using amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw officers spoke to 989 people regarding the closure of park amenities and distancing and issued 16 written cautions and 15 tickets – bringing the total to 68 tickets since April 4.
Hot spot locations continue to be refined based on complaints received though 311 and in-field observations, in order to target enforcement in parks with the most amenities and the largest crowds. Parking enforcement will be patrolling these locations and issuing tickets to those who continue to park in closed parking facilities.
The following 10 parks have been identified as having ongoing issues, based on data from 311 and in-field reports:
• Bluffer’s Park
• Rosetta McClain Gardens
• High Park
• Humber Bay East
• Christie Pits
• Trinity Bellwoods
• Woodbine Beach
• Allan Gardens
• Sunnybrook Park
• Sherwood Park
Everyone is asked to respect the privacy of all residents in long-term care homes and other City services and programs, as well as the staff who work in them. Their core focus is caring for Toronto’s residents. All media inquires should be directed to media@toronto.ca.
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.
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.