Mayor John Tory and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa provided an update on the City’s continuing response to COVID-19.
As of this afternoon, there are 3,145 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 2,818 confirmed cases and 327 probable cases. There are 244 cases hospitalized, with 97 in intensive care units. In the city, 154 people have died of COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/. Toronto Public Health is working to increase the amount of data available on the COVID-19 situations in vulnerable congregate facilities, including long-term care homes, retirement homes, and shelters.
Dr. de Villa shared insight on COVID-19 patterns in Toronto. In the city, 23 per cent of COVID-19 cases are in residents over 80 years of age. In hospital, 35 per cent of cases are residents between 40 and 59 years of age. Looking at transmission, 35 per cent of cases are the result of being a close contact of a confirmed case, underscoring the importance of strict isolation for those that are ill or may have been exposed to COVID-19. Trends and patters in data help public health officials understand how and where the virus is spreading and inform and evaluate the public health response. Dr. de Villa’s full remarks are available at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-official-statements/.
Enforcement continues to be an essential part of keeping our community safe and remains a priority for the City. Yesterday, the City received 530 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued 17 tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued since April 3 to 319. The City received 54 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 35 tickets and 105 notices to non-essential businesses.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
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“We have come a long way. I know the weekend is here and many people will want to enjoy it. We cannot take our foot off the gas. Stay home as much as possible. Keep your distance from others outside your own home. Connect with friends and relatives online or by phone. On Saturday, I am meeting with senior City officials to talk about how we would safely restart the city and what has to go into what will be a very careful plan. When we restart the city depends on each and every one of us. All the efforts so many of you are taking right now to stop the spread of COVID-19 will bring that restart as soon as safely possible.”
– 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 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.