The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Today, Toronto Public Health reported 1,304 new cases of COVID-19 in Toronto – the highest recorded daily increase during the pandemic. This record increase in cases, made more serious by the continued spread of dangerous variants of concern, shows how important it is that everyone in Toronto and across the province stay home to keep each other safe.
Since the start of the pandemic there have been a total of 121,803 cases of COVID-19 in the city, including the record 1,304 new cases today. There are 488 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 2,842 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 108,754 people have recovered. Case status data can be found on the Toronto Public Health’s reporting dashboard: www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/c
Toronto is in the Shutdown Zone of the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework and subject to a provincial Stay-at-Home order. Everyone in the city should be staying home except for essential reasons such as going out for groceries or exercise and being sure to stay as close to home as possible.
With the warm weather here and more people going outside for fresh air and exercise, it is important that residents follow the provincial regulations and City bylaws. Outdoor gatherings are limited to five people or fewer and everyone gathering outdoors who are not from the same household must practise physical distancing.
The City is also asking that people not drive or commute to an outdoor destination. There are over 1,500 parks across Toronto, giving most residents options to get outdoors close to home. Please only visit local parks or go for a walk in your neighbourhood. Those arriving at a local park and finding that it is overcrowded are asked to return later when there are fewer people. All people must be vigilant and follow the regulations to protect the health and safety of Toronto communities and stop the latest wave of COVID-19 from overwhelming our healthcare system.
The City’s joint enforcement team, made up of officers from Municipal Licensing and Standards, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Police, will be working together this weekend to proactively enforce the rules and respond to complaints. Staff will be visiting parks and the waterfront, focusing on areas that have traditionally been of greatest concern based on calls made to 311 and in-field observations. Parking Enforcement will be also be tagging and towing illegally parked vehicles along the waterfront where parking is restricted.
Parents looking for safe, at-home activities are reminded spaces are still available for virtual CampTO workshops taking place from April 12 to 16. These 45-minute-long live and interactive workshops will be available to campers ages four to 12. Campers will explore the diverse food, culture and landmarks of Canada through interactive games and creative programming as they go on virtual visits to five Canadian cities. Registration for virtual camps can be completed online at www.toronto.ca/campTO or by calling 416-396-7378.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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