100 new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario, ‘Staying at home saves lives,’ Toronto Mayor Tory

“Act collectively now.” Dr. Eileen de Villa

TORONTO, ON., March 25 – Yesterday afternoon, TPH Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa spelled things out for Torontonians because some the message of social distancing has not completely come across as residents have been spotted participating in athletic and social group activities. Both the Mayor and Toronto Public Health applaud the response from most residents who are practicing social distancing and also getting very creative with it, but some people are still not getting the message.

“I am asking everyone to stay home to protect yourself and others and prevent the spread of COVID-19. I ask this because we know that COVID19 is spread through close contact with others and we need to prevent this virus spread in our city,” said Dr. de Villa yesterday.

As of 1 pm yesterday there were 280 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Toronto and so far today of the 100 new cases in Ontario, 21 of them are in Toronto. Many of these people caught the virus via close contact. Peel has 13 more confirmed cases, York has 5, and there is 1 case in Durham. Halton and Hamilton each have 4 new cases of COVID-19, there is 1 case in Niagara, 8 cases in Eastern Ontario, 5 in Western Ontario, 1 in Simcoe Muskoka and 4 in Northern Ontario.

Monday’s declaration of a State of Emergency was the first time this has been done in Toronto. It will ensure that the City can continue to respond quickly to this evolving situation.

“Those who are not social distancing are putting essential workers at risk: our healthcare workers, our first responders, the people who keep our water clean and safe, those who take care of our most vulnerable residents in long-term care homes and shelters, our transit workers, and all others whose work helps these people to do their jobs,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health.

“They are also putting our most vulnerable residents at risk:
–Our parents and our grandparents
–People with compromised immune systems
–People with chronic health conditions

“I encourage you to think about this and think about your obligations to act collectively now.,” said Dr. de Villa.

Both de Villa and Tory applauded those who have been practicing social distancing and self-isolation.

“To those who have followed our instructions to protect our most-vulnerable citizens and prevent further spread, by staying home, thank you, please continue this very responsible and this very caring action, to stay home,” said Toronto’s medical officer of health.

The message coming from Toronto, Ontario and Canadian health officials.

The statement continues to read: Every single person in our city plays a crucial role in preventing virus spread. Where we go from here and what happens next depends on you. To those of you who believe that your choice to ignore our public health recommendations will not make a difference – this is just not accurate, nor is it acceptable at this point. It is simply irresponsible.

“The consequences we face are city-wide, nation-wide, and global, said de Villa. “You can impact which direction this goes, but it takes all of us to do the right thing at the right time and that time is now. What you must do is stay home.”

We can still collectively make a difference, but it has to be now.

“The time has come to put the greater good before oneself and think long and hard about whether you’d want to jeopardise the health of others, simply because it’s “inconvenient” or “too difficult” to socially distance. To keep 6 feet apart from others. I’ve heard examples of excellent social, or physical, distancing:

– Grocery stores and pharmacies using tape to help customers see and maintain a 6 foot distance at the checkout

– Dropping off groceries or supplies on a doorstep

— Not visiting anyone outside your household

Thank you for acting responsibly at this difficult time. You are leading by example and modelling the way for others in our new world where keeping 6 feet away protects our loved ones, our friends and our city.

I am asking everyone to stay home to protect yourself and others and prevent the spread of COVID-19. I ask this because we know that COVID19 is spread through close contact with others and we need to prevent this virus spread in our city.

Smart social distancing

Staying home can still mean staying active. Try free live-streamed fitness classes, or apps to guide your in-home workout. If you must go outside to exercise, whether going for a walk or run, keep at least 6 feet space from others.

What is not social distancing

–Having children over for a playdate is not social distancing
–Playing soccer, or basketball with friends is not social distancing
–Going out for a group walk or run is not social distancing

COVID-19 is a virus that spreads through close contact with another person’s respiratory infected droplets : their cough, their sneeze, or spending time and talking with someone closer than 6 feet in distance.

Toronto Public Health says to keep 6 feet apart, even if someone may be contagious and not
know it, then you significantly reduce your risk of infection.

“We all want to get back to our regular lives,” said de Villa. “We all want things to return to
normal in our city. The best thing that you can do to support this is to stay home now. We will get through this. So please stay home, stay safe and take care of each other.”

A total of 2,792 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Canada as of March 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM EDT (Figure 1).

A total of 2,792 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Canada as of March 24, 2020 at 6:00 PM EDT. 49% of those cases are between the ages of 30 and 59. 33% are 60 and above. Twenty-seven deaths have been reported and 9 of those have been in Ontario.