Toronto COVID-19 update: 53 new cases, 25 more deaths, cooling centres open

TORONTO, ON, June 20, 2020 — Today, the City of Toronto issued an update on it response to COVID-19. Provincial orders restricting gatherings of more than 10 people who are not members of the same household remain in effect. The City advises that all residents should continue to follow public health recommendations for physical distancing when leaving the house for any reason.

The City says as of today there are 13,768 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 53 cases since yesterday. There are 267 people hospitalized, with 65 in ICU. In total, 11,706 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 95 cases since yesterday.

To date, there have been 1,034 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Of the 25 new deaths reported today, 24 of the deaths relate to outbreaks that occurred between mid-April and mid- June. These earlier outbreak and death investigations are complete, and these additional deaths have been entered into the provincial integrated Public Health Information System database. This is standard process to ensure that all deaths are accurately identified, and this may sometimes occur after the outbreak ends. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders and Toronto’s municipal bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect. The City’s COVID-19 enforcement team remains focused on providing education. Yesterday, the City received 65 complaints related to parks use and physical distancing. Officers have spoken to or cautioned more than 5,500 people this month. No tickets were issued yesterday in City parks or squares.

Road Closures for ActiveTO this weekend

As part of the City’s ActiveTO program, there are three major road closures in effect this weekend to provide more space for walking and cycling while practising physical distancing. Road closures this weekend are:

• Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes only) from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road. As a result, the eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard West (exit #146) will also be closed.
• Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes only) from Leslie Street to just south of Woodbine Avenue (Kew Beach Avenue)
• Bayview Avenue from Front Street East to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue.

Learn more about ActiveTO major road closures and Quiet Streets making shared space for local residents throughout Toronto communities at toronto.ca/ActiveTO.

Extreme Heat warning in effect

A Heat Warning remains in effect for Toronto. Extreme heat is associated with negative health impacts ranging from heat stress to heat stroke and death. During periods of hot weather, the safety of all residents is the priority. The City has opened 15 Emergency Cooling Centres (ECCs) for the duration of the Heat Warning. An interactive map is available to help those who need to locate an Emergency Cooling Centre near them. Tips to protect yourself from the heat are available at toronto.ca/keepcool.

The City’s wesite is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services, social supports and economic recovery measures. Check toronto.ca/covid-19 for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.