March 21, 2020
Dear Neighbours,
Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the City of Toronto:
Toronto’s Medical Office of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa has clarified the recommendation to suspend faith services in Toronto. Read the statement here.
This afternoon, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Fire Chief and General Manager of the Office of Emergency Management, Matthew Pegg, and City Manager, Chris Murray, provided an update on the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 response.
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed by Toronto Public Health in the city continues to increase. As of 1 pm today there are now 193 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Toronto.
New cases are not unexpected as the City continues to respond to the current situation. As the number of cases grows, the City urges for Torontonians to contribute to the public health response is to continue the proactive measures of social distancing, and if sick, self-isolation.
Importantly, for those returning from abroad following March break, self-isolation is critical to help mitigate the continued spread of COVID-19. Anyone who has returned to Canada, including from the United States, is asked to self-isolate for 14 days. The full news release can be found here.
City of Toronto key messages of the day on COVID-19 updates:
The City is actively developing signage for City parks and playgrounds, advising caregivers that playground and recreation equipment is not sanitized, and reminding everyone to practise social distancing and to wash their hands before and after play. Parks remain open, but people should take every opportunity to avoid interactions with others through social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Take every opportunity to avoid interactions with others through social distancing. This helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we confront the possibility of community transmission. Please stay home, every interaction avoided helps to flatten the curve. Practise social distancing measures including:
- keeping two metres (six feet) apart from other
- avoiding crowds and gatherings
As this is an evolving situation, the City’s website at toronto.ca/covid19 remains the best place for Toronto residents to obtain information about the City’s response to COVID-19, impacts to or modifications of City services and available resources. People are encouraged to check the website often for the latest information on programs and services as it is continuously updated. The City’s website has a tool that can translate pages into 51 different languages. This helps keep 311, 911 and Toronto Public Health call lines open for critical calls from the people who need them most.
Let’s work together to stay apart as we confront COVID-19 community transmission. Remember to practice social distancing and self-isolate if you are feeling sick.
All my Best,
Paul W. Ainslie