City of Toronto reminds residents to maintain physical distancing over the holidays

Mayor John Tory, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and Fire Chief and Manager of the Office of Emergency Management Matthew Pegg, today, provided an update on the City’s continuing response to COVID-19.

Toronto Public Health is reporting there are now 1,570 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Of the cases, 1,332 cases are confirmed and 238 are probable, 156 are in hospital with 71 in ICU. In Toronto, there have been 49 deaths to-date. This data was extracted from the Integrated Public Health Information System at 12:30 p.m. The numbers may differ from other sources as data are extracted at different times.

The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team, comprised of City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police Services, continues to conduct a number of coordinated enforcement activities.

While many are complying with the Orders and Bylaws yesterday, the City received 34 complaints related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, MLS has issued notices to 39 non-essential businesses.

Also yesterday, the City received 482 complaints about people using park amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw officers spoke to 629 people regarding the closure of park amenities and distancing and issued 37 written cautions and 33 tickets – bringing the total to 53 tickets since April 4.

Enforcement activity continues to focus on locations with the most activity. Yesterday, officers intervened to respond to a large group congregating at Smythe Park; people continuing to trespass and play golf at Don Valley Golf Course and people using cricket, baseball and off-leash dog amenities at Cedarvale Park. Enforcement efforts will continue through the weekend.

This evening at sundown, the Jewish community will begin the eight-day celebration of Passover, and with Easter, and the start of Ramadan also here soon, many will want to spend time with family and faith-based communities. However, the City urges everyone to remain at home, leaving only for essential reasons. The holidays are important spiritually and emotionally for many and to support this, people are encouraged to connect with loved ones, friends, and vulnerable members of the community online or by phone. Residents should also check with their place of worship for information on online services and other innovative ways to connect while staying physically apart.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.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 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.