News Release
May 15, 2020

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. Moving forward, City briefings will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:45 p.m. There will be no briefing on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18.

Toronto Public Health continues to see new infections in the city. There are 8,257 people infected with COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 160 since yesterday. There are also 6,034 people who have recovered from the virus, an increase of 183 since yesterday. Additional case status information 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 Medical Officer of Health continues to encourage healthy residents to get fresh air and exercise. City parks are important for respite, serenity, and as an escape to nature and green space. While park amenities remain closed, many activities are permitted. At this time, City parks are open for the following activities:
• Walking, running, and biking in parks and ravine green spaces and along beaches, trails, and boardwalks
• Resting or reading a book in green space
• Picnicking in the park or sitting on a blanket and enjoying the park setting with members of your household while remaining two metres away from others
• Walking dogs on-leash
• Fishing with a licence
• Boating, kayaking and canoeing

While those who are not ill are encouraged to use parks, provincial orders and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect, requiring people who are not from the same household to maintain a physical distance of two metres in a park or public square.

The City’s coordinated COVID-19 Enforcement Team is continuing their important work across the city, educating residents on the City’s physical distancing bylaw and provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders. This month, the enforcement team has issued 97 tickets related to the use of amenities or gatherings in parks or squares and spoken to more than 2,800 people.

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

Media Relations