Toronto Looking to Reduce Social Gatherings, Enhance Enforcement, and Expand Mandatory Masks
TORONTO – “We are taking these actions now so we, hopefully, won’t need to take more drastic actions in the near future like another lockdown. Now we have the ability to respond with more tactical responses that target the exact behaviours that we know are helping the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor John Tory.
Mayor John Tory and other senior members of the City of Toronto COVID-19 response team have met with Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa to discuss what public health measures would be effective in helping push back against the COVID-19 resurgence.
“We’re in a transition period as we approach the fall and winter months. No single person will decide what happens next. Our collective actions determine what happens next. This is why I’m asking for everyone to limit contact with people who don’t live with you and no matter where you go or what you do, please keep watching your distance, wearing your mask, and washing your hands to help keep our city as safe as possible, as we live with COVID-19,” stated Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health.
During the discussions on the City’s COVID-19 response, Mayor Tory outlined Toronto Public Health’s advice based on the current COVID-19 cases being investigated by health officials:
• Reduce the social gatherings limits
• Enhance enforcement on existing restrictions
• Expand the mandatory mask requirements
Mayor Tory indicated that over the coming days, the City will be moving to act on all three of these areas – some which will require cooperation with our partners in the provincial government.
The Mayor spoke with Ontario Premier Doug Ford earlier today to indicate his strong support as Mayor of Toronto for action the Province may undertake to reduce social gathering limits. The City will support their actions in this area as well as any actions the Province may undertake to provide for additional consequences.
The Mayor is also speaking with the Government of Canada about the need to redouble their efforts when it comes to quarantine education and enforcement for travellers.
“Over the past six months, Torontonians have done their part. We listened to public health advice and adjusted our behavior, made sacrifices, and looked out for one another. But fighting COVID-19 is a marathon, not a sprint – and we still have a long way to go. We can’t let up our guard now,” commented Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), Chair Toronto Board of Health.
