Toronto taking stricter measures to decrease COVID-19 transmission

Dr. Eileen de Villa wants Toronto to join Peel in Red – Control category after city reports record-high case count

TORONTO, ON., November 10, 2020 — Dining inside Toronto restaurants and pubs will not be happening as expected this weekend. Also, casinos and numerous other meeting places will have to wait it out longer, as Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health said they should remain closed. Dr. Eileen de Villa announced as the city sees its COVID-19 numbers going in the wrong direction, that Toronto be moved into the Red – Control category in the provincial framework.

Today, Toronto recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 infections, with 533 new cases. In the most recent two weeks, October 25 to November 6, there have been 209 COVID-19 outbreaks declared, including 19 outbreaks in long-term care homes.

Toronto has also seen an 18 per cent increase of COVID-19 patients in hospitals over the two-week period. Dr. de Villa also noted worrisome challenges in other jurisdictions, including British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec where additional measures have also been undertaken to reduce the level of virus transmission.

“COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate that we haven’t seen before in our city,” said Dr. de Villa. “While we’ve seen some progress with the temporary restrictions that were imposed last month, more action is required now to protect the people of Toronto from rampant virus spread. Given the circumstances, as your Medical Officer of Health, I am using my authority to take actions that are necessary given what our city and our residents are facing. These decisions aren’t ones I take lightly, however, in my professional opinion they are needed to reduce virus spread, save lives, protect our health system for those who need it most, and mitigate broader health, social and economic impacts,” said Dr. de Villa.

The City initially requested one additional week to prepare and monitor COVID-19 trends before being moved to the Orange – Restrict category. But after carefully examining the situation, City officials determined Toronto requires strengthened protections and guidance for high-risk sectors and activities.

“Our focus remains on saving lives, on protecting the health of our residents, especially our most vulnerable residents in long-term care homes and schools, and keeping our healthcare system from being overwhelmed,” said Mayor John Tory.

“Today, Dr. de Villa outlined the actions she is recommending in the face of the rising COVID-19 cases in our city and region. She has been clear with me that these actions are needed in order to stop the spread of this virus in Toronto.,” said Tory.

“I know the vast majority of people support doing everything we can in order to confront COVID-19 and get our lives back to normal. We need your help right now to do just that. I thank Torontonians for their ongoing patience and understanding as our city – just like every other city around the world – works to confront the greatest challenge of our generation.”

The new protections would come into effect at 12:01 a.m. this Saturday and include strengthened COVID-19 precautions for businesses and public spaces:

• Social gatherings should only be with those you live with and/or one or two essential supports
• Restrict close contacts only to those you live with and your essential supports
• Limit in-person activities outside the home to essential activities only – going to work or school, health care, shopping for your household and health needs, and getting exercise and physical activity
• Businesses and workplaces should implement work from home wherever possible
• Businesses should review their HVAC systems to ensure they are in good working order
• Workplaces should appoint a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control measures
• Indoor dining will remain closed
• Indoor fitness classes are not permitted
• Meeting and event spaces will remain closed
• In malls, patrons should not be permitted to consume food or drink while walking through malls
• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments will remain closed

The above measures would be enforced under a combination of the Section 22 order and the Province’s Reopening Ontario Act. Beyond legislated measures, the Medical Officer of Health is recommending additional actions for every person in the city, including everyone limiting contact to the people in their household only. One of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and only go out for activities that cannot be done from home, school, fresh air and exercise.

The new precautions prioritize public health and the protection of vulnerable people in the city. Unfortunately, the concession is further restrictions on businesses that were looking forward to partial reopening and resumption of many services. The City continues to advocate for business supports from all levels of government and provide help for businesses. Information on business and sector-specific supports is available online.

A backgrounder explaining the proposed COVID-19 public health protections and recommendations is available. The City’s website will be updated in the coming days with sector-specific guidance to navigate the upcoming change in requirements.

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