News Release
September 8, 2020

Over the long weekend, the City of Toronto including Bylaw Enforcement, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police Services worked to enforce important measures to help keep people safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Provincial orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect. Over the weekend, 22 tickets were issued related to amplified sound including DJ equipment and speakers, large quantities of open liquor and open fires, all of which are not permitted under parks bylaws. Bylaw officers, Toronto Police and Toronto Fire had a highly visible presence at beaches, including Cherry Beach and the Toronto Island Park, and parking lots to help prevent and quickly address crowding, bonfires and other prohibited activities. Officers cautioned more than 500 people over the weekend about physical distancing, alcohol, bonfires and littering bylaws.

Enforcement activities included preventing the transportation of bushels of firewood to Toronto Island for an unauthorized public event that had not been issued a City permit and serving legal notices and warnings in regards to an illegal beach party gathering that occurred in the early morning hours contrary to the Parks by-law.

Toronto Public Health staff, bylaw officers and Toronto Police Services attended bars, restaurants, shopping malls and retail spaces across the city to ensure compliance with public health requirements. Five establishments were found to be in non-compliance under the Reopening Ontario Act and enforcement action was taken.

In food and drink establishments, additional requirements are in effect to protect the health and safety of customers. These include ensuring that all customers remain seated except when entering or exiting, using the washroom or paying the bill. Customers can also 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.

Toronto Public Health continues to stress 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 when stores are 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.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in the city and the age distribution of reported cases has shifted to younger age groups under 40 years old. In the past four weeks, Toronto has had a total of 968 COVID-19 cases and approximately 65 per cent of the cases were from people under 40 years of age. Fifty per cent of the cases were in the 20 to 39 years of age group and 15 per cent of the cases were in the under 20 years of age group. All residents, regardless of age, must adhere to Toronto Public Health’s advice to wash hands often, practise physical distancing, stay within social bubbles of no more than 10 people, and wear a mask or face covering in indoor settings and where physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Wearing a mask or face covering is required in indoor public spaces in Toronto.

Learn more about what to expect and what is required as Toronto businesses reopen and residents live with the new normal of COVID-19 at toronto.ca/ReopenTO.

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.

Media Relations