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Toronto has seen no evidence of COVID-19 activity due to Trinity Bellwoods mass gathering

TORONTO, ON., June 9, 2020 — Toronto Public Health revealed on social media that following the mass gathering at Trinity Bellwoods Park on May 23rd, so far there “has been no evidence of increased COVID-19 activity.”

They posted a Twitter response to inquisitive Toronto resident, Stephen Foote when he asked if there was a spike associated with the Trinity Bellwoods gathering two weeks ago.

1/2: So far there has been no evidence of increased COVID-19 activity that can be linked to the gathering in Trinity Bellwoods Park on May 23rd. However, COVID-19 continues to circulate in Toronto & over 65% of cases reported since that day are from a close contact.— Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) June 8, 2020

There was public outrage, media attention and a great deal of criticism from government officials when images and videos of the mass gathering surfaced. This was followed by complaints from neighbours whose properties became targetted as waste and human waste receptacles. Even Toronto Mayor John Tory found himself in hot water when pics of him engaging with park goers went viral. The Mayor appeared to close to others with his mask lowered. He later posted a public apology.

Checked out the circles at Trinity Bellwoods Park this afternoon. Physical distancing looked to be in full form. pic.twitter.com/pOe5CFwb6k— Beth Macdonell (@BethCTV) June 7, 2020

The City reacted to the gathering by ramping up security and painting social distancing circles in the park to remind residents to respect the municipal bylaw that everyone must maintain a 2 metre distance from each other unless they are from the same household.

Toronto Mayor John Tory was the subject of a great deal of criticism for getting too close and lowering his mask while visiting the masses of people gathered at Trinity Bellwoods Park on May 23. photo by @danielwell00

Toronto Public Health also said that ‘COVID-19 continues to circulate in Toronto and over 65% of cases reported since that day are from a close contact.”