Mayor @JohnTory says city continues to have "positive discussions" with provincial officials about whether Toronto can move into Stage 3 reopening. Awaiting decision from premier on Wednesday.
Mayor says he knows people tired of restrictions including ongoing playground closures that would end under Stage 3. He repeats mantra that he wants to move forward but only if local COVID-19 indicators suggest city isn't in danger of virus resurgence and going back to lockdown
Mayor says rules from bars and gyms under Stage 3 needs to be reviewed. Infections from such places and the kinds of private parties being reported threaten progress in getting out of the pandemic.
Of $4 billion in federal pandemic aid flowing to Ontario cities, Tory just calls it a "very positive" development. Toronto does not have confirmation how much it will get. Tory thanks PM, Deputy PM, premier and Ontario finance minister for work to help cities.
Another TO program! HistoricTO at Toronto history museums will give tours to city museums and historic sites such as Fort York, Gibson House and Toddmorden Village. Guided walking tours start July 29, last 60 minutes. Topics include colonization, LGTBQ history. Pay what you can
Tours will have physical distancing and must be booked in advance via toronto.ca/museums . Toronto museums also working to put seldom seen artifacts online for people who would rather learn about the city's history from home.
Dr. @epdevilla says 58 new COVID infections "over the past few days" but ONLY 5 NEW CASES today - the lowest Toronto has recorded in "quite some time".
Dr. @epdevilla concerned re virus roaring back in some other cities and countries as they reopen. "We cannot let our guard down." Younger people not immune to COVID-19, if you haven't got it yet doesn't mean you can't get it. Toronto doesn't want to lose progress we've made
COVID-19 is still here and Toronto needs everyone to focus on preventing its spread, Dr. @epdevilla says. Don't invite over friends out of social bubble, or invite kids over for playdates if not in your bubble. Exposing yourself and others to risk.
"We need to stay ahead of the virus to keep moving forward," into reopening, Dr. @epdevilla says, adding her public health team is actively preparing for a future surge in Toronto infections.
Dr. @epdevilla talking about her recommendation to city council this week for city to set up, once it gets federal funding, isolation spaces (in hotel rooms) for people who get COVID and can't self-isolate at home. City officials say talks with feds are going very well.
"We must be prepared for surge in virus activity," de Villa says, hammering again on her message that anti-virus measures including handwashing, physical isolation, masks etc. remain if/when Toronto goes into Stage 3.
Mayor @JohnTory asking re images from weekend of a packed Hanlan's Point beach. Tory notes limit on how many ferry tickets can be sold but says lots of water taxi visits. Want to educate people, avoid crowd scenes. Says we all have "covid fatigue", must not get complacent.
(I feel compelled to point out Hanlan's Point has Toronto's main nudist beach because, well, nude!, without knowing if that plays any role in COVID-19 transmission. OK if you just wear a mask?
Asked re how much money Toronto will get in pandemic funding, mayor says no details yet but appears to be "a significant amount of money that will go a long way" to fill Toronto's deep fiscal hole.
Mayor asked if worried the federal money won't flow quickly enough through the provincial treasury. Tory says he has assurances that won't happen, money will start to flow "soon"
Asked re large parties being reported, Mayor @JohnTory asked if time to shift from education to real enforcement with hefty fines. Tory notes he doesn't direct enforcement but said he hopes bylaw officers will break up "large backyard parties" as Brampton officials did there.
Dr. @epdevilla says Toronto's COVID-19 indicators are progressing very nicely, dashboard will today be green in 3 of 4 main indicators.
Asked by @jpags how she feels about Toronto possibly moving to Stage 3 this week, Dr. @epdevilla says she is "very hopeful" that Toronto will progress with reopening. Notes Toronto has asked @fordnation for some extra restrictions, mostly on bars.
Mayor @JohnTory says he is "optimistic" that @fordnation government will incorporate "some" of his requests for extra Stage 2 rules, doesn't know if will just be for Toronto and province-wide. Story on extra precautions he wants thestar.com/news/gta/2020/…
Mayor @JohnTory on whether Toronto will get full ask in federal pandemic aid that is flowing through the Ontario government: "I'm hopeful we'll get the entire $1.3 billion but I can't say I'm expecting it,"
City licensing says 33 different establishments visited by bylaw officers on the weekend -- 8 found to be in contravention of anti-virus rules; warning letters to 7, the other one was charged.
Asked re Cherry Beach crowding, Mayor Tory says he doesn't want to announce beach closures -- but he will if he has to. Dr. @epdevilla says there is risk anytime people gather closely but that risk is "clearly higher" when they gather indoors vs. outdoors. Briefing finishes.
