News Release
August 14, 2020

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is notifying people who visited the Brass Rail Tavern located at 701 Yonge St., Toronto, about a potential exposure to COVID-19.  Approximately 550 individuals may have been exposed in this setting.

A tavern employee who tested positive for COVID-19 attended the Brass Rail Tavern on these dates and times:

  • August 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (August 5)
  • August 5 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. (August 6)
  • August 7 from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. (August 8)
  • August 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. (August 9)

There was no risk to anyone attending the Brass Rail Tavern outside of these dates and times. As a precaution, TPH is advising anyone who attended the Brass Rail Tavern during these dates and times to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms for the 14 days after their last visit during this time period.

TPH has followed up with all known close contacts and asked these individuals to self-isolate for 14 days and to go for testing. TPH is also notifying individuals directly who provided their name and contact information in the establishment’s contact tracing log. The establishment is collaborating with TPH to ensure all COVID-19 Stage 3 reopening protocols are in place in this setting. including staff and patrons wearing masks, infection prevention and control measures are in place, and appropriate physical distancing measures are followed.

TPH recommends for individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms to visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool for recommendations. There is no need to self-isolate and people can continue with their routine daily activities if an individual remains healthy and does not develop symptoms. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please contact TPH, seek COVID-19 testing and immediately self-isolate. Please wear a mask when going for testing.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets when a person who is infected with the virus coughs, talks or sneezes. It can also be spread when a healthy person touches an object or surface (e.g. a doorknob or a table) with the virus on it, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can get very sick and may need to seek medical care at a hospital. The symptoms of COVID-19 may include loss of smell, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, cough, malaise, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, residents are reminded to continue following public health advice to wash hands often, practise physical distancing, stay within their social bubble of no more than 10 people, wear a mask in indoor settings, or when physical distance cannot be maintained and remain at home when ill.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check the City’s COVID-19 web page for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline at 416-338-7600 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 http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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.

Lenore Bromley
Toronto Public Health
416-338-7974
416-885-6749 (cell)