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Toronto officials say outdoor dining and fitness classes should be permitted in modified Grey zone

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TORONTO, ON. MARCH 17, 2021 — Today, Mayor John Tory, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said the Toronto is working with the Province and the Chief Medical Officer of Health to explore ways to open additional businesses and amenities in a modified Grey zone, while not fully moving into the Red – Control Zone of the provincial Lockdown Regulation.

As COVID-19 case counts continue to increase in Toronto and across Ontario with a rate of reproduction exceeding 1:1 and cases involving variants of concern are on the rise, Dr. de Villa said the science at this time does not support the kind of reopening that would be provided for under the Red Zone designation.

As Mayor Tory and Dr. de Villa explained, with warmer weather approaching and vaccination progress while looking at the situation in surrounding regions, there is the opportunity for a data-led response that has led to discussions around outdoor dining, outdoor fitness classes and exercise and other areas.

Meanwhile, Peel Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lawrence Loh told reporters at Brampton city hall on Wednesday afternoon that the “the uptick in our current viral picture does not support further reopening at this time.” But he also said he has been been discussing with the province about allowing more outdoor activities in Peel.

In this context Dr. Loh seems to be aligned with Dr. de Villa, saying, “In considering our unique community context, we are currently having active discussions that are exploring if we can maintain some of the protections afforded by the current measures in force in Peel while considering adjustments particularly where there is an opportunity to leverage the outdoors for things such as dining and fitness,” he said. “I want to stress that the discussions are still active and continuing. These are not final decisions and ultimately the province will make a decision as to where Peel lands.”

The City of Toronto says it is working with the Province to arrive at a public health policy solution within the Grey Zone “that balances fighting the spread of COVID-19 with listening to the needs of residents and businesses. No decisions have been made at this time.”

A decision from the Province is expected by Friday.

Since the start of the pandemic there have been a total of 103,878 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 576 new cases today. There are 290 people hospitalized. To date, there have been 2,731 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. In total, 96,549 people have recovered. Case status data can be found on the Toronto Public Health’s reporting dashboard.

This week, the Toronto Public Health reporting dashboard was updated to include information on vaccine rollout. The reporting enhancements include:

  • progress on the total doses administered
  • number of people who have received a first dose
  • number of people who have completed vaccination
  • share of the Toronto population that has had at least one dose

This important new data will be update twice per week, on Mondays and Thursdays by 3 p.m.

As Toronto awaits the rollout of mass immunization, to reduce and eliminate the transmission of COVID-19, protect the healthcare system and save lives, the City continues to urge all residents to stay home as much as possible to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please review the City’s simple “Dos” and “Don’ts” guide for recommended and mandatory public health measures under provincial regulations and City bylaws.

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