City of Toronto update on COVID-19 and Stage 3 reopening

The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19 and has entered the second week of Stage 3 of the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan.

As of today, the City’s Emergency Operations Centre has been mobilized for 153 days, working with Toronto Public Health and other City divisions to slow the spread of the virus, keep the community safe and help the city recover and rebuild.

There are 15,532 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 18 today. There are 69 people hospitalized. In total, 14,108 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 14 since yesterday. To date, there have been 1,163 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. For the first time today, all of Toronto Public Health’s COVID-19 Monitoring Dashboard indicators are green indicating they meet the established goal. This good news is the result of the collaborative hard work of many health system partners. Toronto Public Health continues to closely monitor local COVID-19 data and reminds residents to remain vigilant and keep following public health measures required to limit opportunities for virus spread. COVID-19 case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Stage 3 has allowed for the safe restart of more businesses, City services and expanded indoor and outdoor gatherings. Some highlights from Toronto’s Stage 3 reopening include:

• More than 800 playgrounds and play structures reopened since July 31
• Toronto Public Library continuing to add in-branch services this week with relevant health and safety measures in place including the use of computers in many branches and the ability to pick up material holds without an appointment, in addition to the scheduled pick-up of holds
• First-ever WiFi on Wheels pilot last week provided free WiFi and internet access in two public parks
• Thousands of restaurants and bars have reopened for dine-in services with a number of additional safety requirements as implemented through temporary provisions under the Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 545, Licensing
• Applications to the CaféTO program, providing increased dining capacity through patio space, has been extended to tomorrow, Tuesday August 11 at 12 p.m. CaféTO will run until November 15 and has supported more than 600 restaurants city-wide
• The City’s first three DriveInTO events have been sold out, and more than 1000 people have participated to date
• New temporary bylaw that requires masks or face coverings to be worn in common areas in apartments and condominiums has come into effect
• The City has reopened 21 Toronto Early Learning & Child Care Centres, with most of the remaining locations expected to be reopened by the end of September
• There have been more than 17,600 registrations to CampTO and nearly 3,500 participants took part in the first week of ParksPlayTO

As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, residents are reminded to continue adhering to Toronto Public Health’s advice to practise physical distancing, stay within their social circle of no more than 10 people, wash hands often 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 indoor public spaces in Toronto.

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 35 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have cautioned nearly 2,261 people this month about physical distancing, alcohol, bonfires and littering bylaws.

As more of the city’s businesses continue to reopen, 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. Safe reopening guidelines for businesses and organizations are also available at toronto.ca/Reopening.

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.