TORONTO – “I want to thank Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa for today’s update and I share in her cautious optimism. All of the efforts people have undertaken based on her advice and the advice of all public health professionals is helping to flatten the curve but that job is not yet done. The message is clear, we’ve come a long way – I know it hasn’t been easy for any of us but we are now in a good position to win this war. We will win as long as we stay the successful course we are on to stop the spread of COVID-19,” states Toronto Mayor John Tory
Following the Province of Ontario’s release of updated COVID-19 projections and announcement that the curve of community-spread cases of COVID-19 in the province has peaked. Dr. de Villa confirmed Toronto is currently in the peak period for reported cases in the city but there is cause for cautious optimism. She urged residents that the only way we will continue to be successful is if we continue to keep these measures in place for more time, and for everyone to continue to do their part by staying at home. All residents are asked to stay home as much as possible and practise physical distancing whenever possible. Mayor Tory stressed the need for Toronto to stay the course and continue to follow public health recommendations and government orders implemented to save lives.
As of this afternoon, there are 3,682 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto. Cases include 3,343 confirmed cases and 339 probable cases. There are 262 cases hospitalized, with 99 in intensive care units. In the city, 181 people have died of COVID-19. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-latest-city-of-toronto-news/covid-19-status-of-cases-in-toronto/.
While public health officials are optimistic about trends observed in cases of community spread and the success of public health measures, cases in congregate settings remain a concern. Increased COVID-19 testing in the province has confirmed vulnerabilities in many of our city’s long-term care and retirement facilities. Toronto Public Health continues to work with long-term care homes and other congregate facilities, such as emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness, to address COVID-19 outbreaks.
Enforcement of the City’s physical distancing bylaw and the Emergency Measures and Civil Protection Act orders is also ongoing. Yesterday, the City received 59 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks. Bylaw and police officers issued 24 tickets – bringing the total number of tickets issued from April 3 to 433. For the second day in a row, nearly 200 vehicles were turned away from Bluffer’s Park, where the parking lot remains closed.
The City also received 38 complaints yesterday related to non-essential businesses remaining open in contravention of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Since March 24, Municipal Licensing & Standards and Toronto Public Health have issued 46 tickets and 126 notices to non-essential businesses.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
