News Release
November 2, 2020

The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Today, Mayor John Tory, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, and Fire Chief and General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg provided an update on the City’s measures to combat the resurgence of the virus in Toronto.

There are 29,226 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 330 new cases today. There are 149 people hospitalized. In total, 24,489 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, there have been 1,375 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

The Hindu community will soon celebrate Diwali – a celebration traditionally marked by the gathering of family and friends. Dr. de Villa is asking that this year’s Diwali celebrations be adapted to follow public health guidance, similar to other holidays and events this fall. This includes celebrating with those in your household and celebrating virtually with those outside your households, wearing a mask as much as possible and washing hands often.

The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team continues to respond to complaints and enforce provincial orders and bylaws across the city, including in bars, restaurants and parks. Since Friday, the City received 42 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing, 125 complaints related to businesses and 42 complaints related to gatherings on private property. Enforcement teams gave 17 tickets and 23 notices to businesses, one ticket related to parks use, and 3 tickets related to private residences.

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 with people not 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.

Toronto Public Health also encourages residents to download the COVID Alert app, which can help to notify individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 in the community.

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.

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