Here is a thread on response to our open letter of Friday. Thanks to all who have commented in support, and raised attention. Thank you to @m_layton and all the Toronto city councillors who took time to read our letter on the holiday weekend. 1/11 https://twitter.com/manneharris/status/1248709649551032320?s=20

Yesterday we received a response letter from @epdevilla and are grateful for the quick turnaround given the holiday and so many other burdens carried by @TOPublicHealth during COVID-19. 2/11

You could ask your city councillors to see a copy of the response ( @joecressy was cc’d and we understand @JohnTory's office sent copy to reporters), but we don’t post addressed correspondence w/out consent (colleague etiquette). 3/11

Response is a qualified “no” but with an invitation to remain in dialogue. 4/11 See public comments here: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2020/04/13/can-you-keep-your-distance-on-toronto-sidewalks-this-viral-video-shows-that-can-be-literally-impossible.html

Primary concern is induced demand, where availability of space to walk and bicycle could be seen as encouraging out-of-home activity. We remain concerned that sidewalk and bicycle travel are viewed as an “option” rather only essential mode for some Toronto residents. 5/11

Explicitly included in response is the need to constantly re-evaluate dynamic considerations and an invitation to contribute as things evolve. Here are some ways we can help with that 6/11:

1) We can help advise community orgs collecting data on unsafe locations that may be affected by physical distancing (e.g. stepping into live traffic to give distance). Incidental observations only, we don't want anyone leaving home for purposes of collecting data rn. 7/11

2) We will try to help w/ traffic injury surveillance. This is very tricky to engage proactively because some of the best data sources are lagged by months or even >year. But we can all keep an eye on police/media- reported injuries. 8/11

3) Let’s all watch what happens in the cities allowing space: do they see induced demand or effectiveness of physical distancing? If these cities can demonstrate good epidemic control while rebalancing streets, this supports action here. 9/11

4) We will continue to highlight this issue, and watch as situation around distancing evolves, doing our best to warn where we see potential for unrecognized risk. 10/11

As always, we support #stayhome and #flattenthecurve. We support the hard work of @torontopublicbealth and @epdevilla even if we might have differing approaches on this particular issue. Thanks, all! 11/11