Toronto records 1,000 deaths due to COVID-19 : “Each life lost here mattered to someone in our city,” Mayor Tory

“It is so important to remember that each death represents a unique life”

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto Medical Officer of Health

TORONTO, ON., June 19, 2020 — The City of Toronto today announced the 1,000th death due to COVID-19 and sends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends for their loss.

“This tragic milestone is a reminder that we must all continue our efforts to fight COVID-19 and protect people in our community,” said City officials in a statement.

“Today, I am very saddened to report that we reached a tragic milestone of 1,000 lives
lost to COVID-19, a virus that was unknown to us just 6 months ago,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto Medical Officer of Health. “This is an immeasurable loss experienced by so many people across our city and beyond. On behalf of everyone at Toronto Public Health, we offer our sincerest condolences to everyone who has lost a friend, family member or loved one to COVID-19,” said Dr. de Villa in her statement.

“It is so important for us to take a moment, to look beyond these numbers and remember
that each death represents a unique life,” said Dr. de Villa. “An individual with a personal story, who had an impact on us and our community. One thousand people have died from COVID-19 and have left behind friends, family members and neighbours. These losses are deeply
personal for those who knew and loved them.,” said Dr. de Villa.

“While our efforts so far to combat COVID-19 have made a difference and saved thousands of lives, this day reminds us that we are facing a deadly virus that has taken more than 1,000 innocent people in our city so far, and the threat to more innocent lives remains very real,” said Mayor John Tory. 

“We owe it to the memory of all those 1,000 souls to continue to fight this virus, to continue to follow public health advice to protect our families, and to make sure our city comes back stronger than ever.”

– Mayor John Tory

Toronto accounts for almost 40 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in Ontario.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday there have been 13,661 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in the Toronto, an increase of 73 cases since the previous report. There currently 1,158 active cases in the city and of those cases, 276 people are hospitalized, with 72 in ICU. In total, 11,501 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 104 cases since the previous day. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.

Toronto Public Health is reminding residents of the importance of continuing to wash their hands often, stay within their social circle of no more than 10 people, practise physical distancing, or wear a face covering or non-medical mask to protect others when in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

The Cit of Toronto also reminds residents that Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act orders and the City bylaw on physical distancing remain in effect.

Yesterday, the City received 78 complaints involving people using outdoor amenities or not practising physical distancing in parks or squares. Bylaw officers issued three tickets in parks or squares. This month, bylaw and police officers have spoken to more than 5,300 people in City parks about the closures and public health measures.

The City’s website 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.