The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Today, Mayor John Tory and Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, provided an update on the City’s measures to combat the resurgence of the virus in Toronto.
There are 36,080 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 445 new cases today. There are 191 people hospitalized with 42 in ICU. There are currently 27 outbreaks in long-term care settings, seven in retirement homes and 13 in hospital settings. To date, there have been 1,490 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Since yesterday, there have been 22 further confirmed deaths from COVID-19 reported to TPH – the highest number of deaths reported in one day during this second wave. In total, 29,890 people have recovered from COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
City officials are working with the Province of Ontario and surrounding regions to coordinate a strengthened response to the continued spread of COVID-19. While this work is ongoing, Mayor Tory appealed to two groups – parents and employers – to take proactive action in the fight against the virus. In response to increasing test positivity rates in young people, particularly those age 14 to 17, parents should remind children to come straight home after school and avoid spending time at friends’ homes whenever possible. Employers should be taking all infection protection and control measures possible and encourage COVID-19 testing in employees with supports for those who test positive. Guidance for employers is available online.
All people in Toronto should be adopting steps for self-protection. Dr. de Villa recommends individuals only consider leaving their homes for essential activities such as work, education and fresh air and exercise. As much as possible, residents are asked to limit contact to people 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.
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.
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 the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.