January 8, 2021 – Toronto Reports 1,442 New Cases of COVID-19 Virus

Given a significant increase in testing and confirmed case volumes, there was a backlog in data entry that is now addressed; this has resulted in an increase in case counts reported today of approximately 450 cases.

There are 433 people hospitalized. In total, 57,850 people have recovered from COVID-19. To date, there have been 2,019 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto.

In addition to the more than 1,500 parks and ravines that are safe places for residents to enjoy the outdoors and natural environment during COVID-19, the City has numerous winter options for residents to enjoy that can be explored at http://toronto.ca/welcometowinter. Physical distancing is required when using parks and squares.

For tobogganing, there are 23 designated safe toboggan hills identified for residents to visit. If a designated toboggan hill is crowded, please come back later. Tobogganing on ski hills and parks slopes that are not designated for tobogganing can, and in some cases has already led to the need for emergency medical attention.

Other hills and locations are not safe and are not designated for these activities. City ski and snowboard centres at Centennial Park and Earl Bales Park are closed under provincial order and are not safe for tobogganing. More information and safety tips for City toboggan hills can be found at https://www.toronto.ca/toboggan.

To reduce and eliminate the transmission of COVID-19, protect the healthcare system and save lives, Toronto Public Health continues to strongly encourages everyone to only leave their home for essential reasons and observe the prohibition against indoor gatherings.

Please review the City’s simple “Dos” and “Don’ts” guide for recommended and mandatory public health measures. The guide communicates what is, and what is not, permitted under the  provincial Lockdown Regulation that remains in effect to help stop the spread of COVID-19: www.toronto.ca/lockdownguide.