The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Mayor John Tory and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa today provided an update on the City’s continuing response to COVID-19 and recovery and rebuild progress.
Beginning tomorrow, July 7, masks or face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The mandatory mask or face covering bylaw will include exemptions for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, children under the age of two, and other accommodations. Face masks and coverings do not replace the need to keep a distance of two metres or six feet from others, wash hands often and stay home when sick. Business owners and operators are required to have a policy on masks or face coverings, to post signage and to train staff on the policy. Information for businesses including a draft policy is available on the City’s website.
There are 14,678 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 67 cases since yesterday. There are 160 people hospitalized, with 40 in ICU. In total, 12,844 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 71 cases since yesterday. To date, there have been 1,105 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto.
As of today, Toronto Public Health will be reporting Toronto COVID-19 case numbers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect. Yesterday, the City received 71 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers spoke to or cautioned more than 2,500 people this month. No tickets were issued yesterday in City parks or squares.
As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, residents visiting a beach or park must practise physical distancing and avoid crowding. Residents are reminded that bonfires, the consumption of alcohol and littering are not permitted in parks, beaches or public spaces. If a litter bin is full, residents are asked to take their garbage with them so it can be disposed of properly.
A Heat Warning remains in effect for Toronto. Extreme heat is associated with negative health impacts ranging from heat stress to heat stroke and death. The City has opened 15 Emergency Cooling Centres (ECCs) for the duration of the Heat Warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada. The cooling centre at Malvern Recreation Community Centre, 30 Sewells Rd., which was closed for repairs, will re-open tomorrow, July 7, at 11 a.m., while the temporary site of the cooling centre at Burrows Hall Community Centre (1081 Progress Ave.) will be closed starting tomorrow. An interactive map is available to help those who need to locate an ECC near them.
To help residents cool off during the Heat Warning, the following eight pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. tonight:
For up-to-date information on extended pool hours, pool locations and regular operating hours, call 311 or visit toronto.ca/swim. Tips to protect yourself from the heat are available on the City’s website.
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.