The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. In advance of Toronto joining the rest of the province in Stage 2 of the provincial reopening tomorrow, all Torontonians are reminded to continue following public health recommendations for physical distancing when leaving the house for any reason and that provincial orders restricting gatherings of more than 10 people who are not members of the same household remain in effect.
There are 13,956 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 63 cases since yesterday. There are 255 people hospitalized, with 62 in ICU. In total 11,960 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 81 cases since yesterday. To date, there have been 1,052 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
It’s important for people to continue adhering to Toronto Public Health’s advice to wash their hands often, stay within their social circle of no more than 10 people, practise physical distancing, or wear a face covering or non-medical mask to protect others when in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained. The City of Toronto has produced three short videos on how to effectively use non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing isn’t possible.
Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders, the City bylaw on physical distancing, and laws prohibiting consumption of alcohol on City property and in unlicensed public areas remain in effect. With the warm weather, the City’s beaches are seeing very high volumes of beach-goers. At many beaches, littering, bonfires, alcohol consumption and public intoxication, and individuals not practising physical distancing are recurring problems. Individuals visiting beaches and parks should use litter bins provided, leave alcohol at home, and, if a park or beach is too busy to safely practise physical distancing, come back later or head to an alternate location.
The COVID-19 enforcement team continues to patrol parks and beaches, particularly problem areas, with a focus on providing education. Yesterday, the City received 95 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have spoken to or cautioned more than 6,200 people this month. Bylaw officers issued eight tickets yesterday in City parks or squares.
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.