Mayor John Tory says Toronto is declaring a state of emergency as the city works to try and stem the spread of COVID-19.
“We are declaring a State of Emergency as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead,” Tory said Monday.
In making the declaration, Tory said the next few days are “absolutely critical” in the fight to slow the pandemic and urged people to stay home as much as possible and to only venture out no more than once a week to buy essential supplies.
“While the declaration does not change the Level 3 status of the city’s Emergency Operations Centre, it does provide city staff with the necessary flexibility to access resources in a more timely way so it can continue to keep the city functioning and safe,” the city said in a news release.
The move comes as the province orders the closure of all non-essential businesses in order to fight the pandemic.
In his comments, Tory reiterated that people who work in essential services, such as health care workers “are heroes for us right now” and everyone needs to do as much as possible to keep them safe.
He urged people who don’t absolutely need to venture out, to stay home.
“I know this is an incredibly tough time for residents across our city. I want them to know that we are doing everything we can at the city to fight this virus while continuing to deliver our essential and critical services,” Tory said. “I remain confident that we will get through this pandemic by continuing to work together and all following the advice of our public health professionals.”
He also said the city would be looking at moves to more forcefully shut down some outdoor facilities where some people have continued to gather, such as basketball courts and playgrounds.
For the time being, full transit service will still continue, with the city closely monitoring any crowding on the system, Tory said.
While construction sites have continued to operate as usual, Tory said the city is now considering whether social distancing measures should be applied to construction projects as well.
The mayor also said that while the situation is dire, people should do their best not to fall into despair.
“Have a sense of hope about this,” Tory said, noting that previous generations have dealt with times of great sacrifice and uncertainty.
He urged people to continue checking in on one another, particularly on those who are vulnerable.
City officials are expected to provide more details on what the state of emergency means at a briefing this afternoon.
Like Our Story ? Donate to Support Us, Click Here
You want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity/live coverage for product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +16477721660 or email Adebaconnector@gmail.com
