In announcing enhanced COVID-19, full list of restrictions click here, Mayor John Tory says we’re at a crossroads and for now we all need to tighten up and act like the virus is everywhere.
“We need a preemptive strike to avoid giving up all of the progress we had made confronting the virus and reopening to this point, Dr. de Villa has put together a list of actions that would be implemented on top of the provincial  RED CONTROL category starting on November 14th,” Tory told reporters.
The Mayor says Toronto needs to act strongly and consistently now to avoid a full lockdown as the number of new cases set records both Monday and Tuesday at over 500. And even more concerning says the Mayor, is the test positivity rate which has jumped to just under 6-percent and it’s highest among the young and elderly.
“On top of those statistics, we are also seeing an increase in long term care home outbreaks and hospitalizations,” Tory added. “While our hospitals continue to have capacity right now, we know that they are concerned that circumstances can change very quickly like we have seen in Peel, where their hospitals have been overwhelmed recently by COVID cases.
Tory fully supports the city’s medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa who announced the extension of restrictions for another 28-days.
“Indoor dining will remain prohibited at restaurants, bars, and food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces will remain closed as will casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments and the prohibition on indoor group fitness and exercise classes will continue,” said Dr. de Villa.
Dr. de Villa also strongly recommends that all social gatherings be restricted to only household members and one or two essential supports, and that you restrict your close contact to those you live with and your essential supports.
“This means limiting in-person activities outside the home to essential activities only, going to work or school, healthcare, shopping for household and health needs and exercise and physical activity.”
She is also strongly recommending businesses implement work from home policies wherever possible.