Toronto’s top doctor says limit your Thanksgiving dinner to the people you live with
TORONTO, ON., Oct. 5, 2020 — Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa is strongly recommending that residents “limit your Thanksgiving dinner to the people you live with.”
“Please do not hold a big Thanksgiving dinner. Please limit your Thanksgiving dinner to the people you live with. If you live alone, the safest option is to join with others virtually,” said Dr. de Villa.
“I would far rather we change one Thanksgiving for safety’s sake than look back at Thanksgiving 2020 with enormous regret. Keeping apart at a holiday isn’t what anyone wants to do. Being apart doesn’t have to mean being alone, if you think it through,” added Toronto’s top doctor.
Meanwhile in Toronto today there are 301 new cases of COVID-19. While on October 4th, there were 225. On October 3rd, 326. On the 2nd, 311. And on October 1st, 280.
“My advice is that it is best now to think primarily in terms of restricting contact as much as possible to the people you live with every day or anyone who helps you at home on a daily or regular basis,” said de Villa.
Mayor John Tory was very outspoken today, with both the media and on social media, backing up what Dr. de Villa said earlier.
“Dr. de Villa’s advice is clear: Please do not hold a big Thanksgiving dinner. Please limit your Thanksgiving dinner to people you live with. If you live alone, the safest option is to join with others virtually, said Tory. “I am urging residents to please follow the public health advice and show restraint in Thanksgiving gatherings. It just isn’t worth it to put the health of your own family members at risk,” Tory added.
“COVID-19 is spreading in a serious way.,” said Dr. de Villa. “The choices we make will determine whether the spread of COVID-19 is going to get worse or going to get better. On that basis I’m very seriously asking again that everyone rethink their Thanksgiving plans.”
Dr. Eileen de Villa advises Toronto residents “that it is best now to think primarily in terms of restricting contact as much as possible to the people you live with every day or anyone who helps you at home on a daily or regular basis. Keeping apart at a holiday isn’t what anyone wants to do. Being apart doesn’t have to mean being alone, if you think it through.”
Later today, the City released a press statement with Mayor Tory asking that “all people comply with public health advice, stressing responsible behaviour right now presents the best chance of more normal holiday celebrations later in the year.
