The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. As the virus continues to circulate in the community, residents are reminded to adhere to Toronto Public Health’s advice to wash hands often, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, practise physical distancing with those outside of your social bubble, and wear a mask or face covering where mandatory or when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Wearing a mask or face covering is required in all indoor public spaces in Toronto.
There are 16,609 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 74 today. There are 26 people hospitalized. In total, 14,888 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, there have been 1,175 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
There has been a steady increase in new COVID-19 infections in Toronto since September 4, and the age distribution of reported cases has shifted to younger age groups under 40 years old. While younger cases have often not been made severely ill by COVID-19 and are less likely to be hospitalized, they can still transmit the virus to others, especially to vulnerable groups. In Toronto, many young people live with multi-generational families, and make up a large part of our service-based workforce. All residents, regardless of age, must follow public health advice to keep everyone safe.
Provincial orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect. Yesterday, the City received 28 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have cautioned nearly 900 people this month about physical distancing, alcohol, bonfires and littering bylaws.
Shops, restaurants and bars
Toronto Public Health is stressing the need to maintain physical distance and wear a mask or face covering when shopping in a store, mall or flea market. Those shopping in person are encouraged to shop at times stores may be quieter or to try shopping online, when possible. Residents should always wash or sanitize their hands after being in a store or public place and not go out if they are feeling ill.
In food and drink establishments, additional requirements to protect the health and safety of customers remain in effect. These include ensuring that all customers remain seated except when entering or exiting, using the washroom or paying the bill. Customers can expect to be asked for basic personal information as management of food and drink establishments must keep customer logs that include names and contact information for each party in the event contact tracing is required. Learn more about requirements for food and drink establishments.
Residents can learn about what to expect and what is required as Toronto moves into the new normal and they begin to visit more establishments and take part in more activities at toronto.ca/ReopenTO.
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.