The City of Toronto and Team Toronto vaccination partners continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including a second dose to best protect against the Delta variant, as soon as possible. More than 250,000 July vaccine appointments remain available in the provincial booking system for City-operated clinics, including 65,000 appointments for next week.
Everyone age 12 and older is eligible to book a first dose or an accelerated second dose. People with a scheduled second dose appointment later in the year should reschedule for as soon as possible to ensure they are protecting themselves and the wider community against the Delta variant. Appointments for City-run immunization clinics can be booked by residents through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
Vaccination appointments generally take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. City-run clinics are easily accessible by transit and offer free parking on-site. Clinic staff are also able to provide resources in multiple languages, or a person with a vaccination appointment can bring a support person to help with translation. More information on City-operated immunization clinic transportation options and on-site amenities is available on the City’s COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated webpage.
People who are fully vaccinated are asked to reach out to family and friends who may be hesitant about vaccination or the “mixed mRNA model” second dose of Pfizer or Moderna. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are incredibly similar with near identical efficacy rates and a “mixed mRNA model” is approved by both the federal and provincial governments. People can also easily connect to resources including vaccine appointment bookings, information on vaccines and upcoming telephone town halls by texting “VACCINE” to 1-833-750-0888 or 833-750-0888 for more information.
Toronto Public Health is reporting 53 new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto since June 30. Since the start of the pandemic there have been a total of 169,846 cases of COVID-19. There are 93 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 3,561 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 165,789 people have recovered. Case status data can be found on Toronto Public Health’s reporting dashboard.
Toronto is in Step Two of the provincial Roadmap to Reopen. Small indoor gatherings of up to five people and outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people from different households are permitted. The Province of Ontario has said all of Ontario will remain in Step Two for at least 21 days.
The City has updated City service and amenity information to allow for additional gatherings and activities permitted in Step Two. All residents should review the City’s COVID-19: Reopening Guide for Toronto Residents for public health guidance and information on what is and is not permitted under provincial regulations and City bylaws.
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.