Following an extensive series of meetings we've held this week to review what can only be described as alarming results and trends in our city, @epdevilla today urged the Government of Ontario to take further action to stop the spread of #COVID19.

The following public health recommendations were made to the Province today:

1. Prohibit indoor dining at restaurants and bars. The reality is socializing in bars and restaurants is contributing to significant exposures and outbreaks and we need to do something to stop it.

2. Recommend that individuals only leave their homes for essential activities, such as work, education, exercise & fitness, healthcare appointments & the purchase of food. Up to 2 individuals from outside a household would be permitted to provide support if someone lives alone.

3. To halt all indoor group classes in gyms and indoor sports team activities.

4. Require large venues to submit plans to @TOPublicHealth on how they will comply with public health measures, such as seating that ensures physical distancing and a method to collect individual contact information.

Dr. de Villa has concerns about exposures and outbreaks in large venues, some of which can have a capacity of more than 100. She also expressed concerns about the current regulations that allow for 30% capacity in these venues.

I know Dr. de Villa does not do this lightly – and my support for her recommended action is not given lightly.

This is strong medicine and I know it will be bitter for the businesses directly impacted.

But now the resurgence is here and our doctor has issued a prescription that we must follow. These recommendations come as we see the rapidly rising number of new cases in our city & they are based on the data public health has collected from these cases & analysis of that data.

Currently in Toronto, there are 169 active outbreaks in the community, as well as in congregate settings, such as schools, childcare, workplaces and long-term care homes. In the last three weeks, outbreaks in long-term care homes has increased from two to nine.

We have been warning all week that the alarm bell is ringing and we have taken all the steps that we can as a municipal government within our legal authorities.

We have presented our recommendations to the province and await a response.

In the meantime, I want to thank the province and Premier @fordnation for their cooperation and for their continued partnership during the pandemic and for taking action across Ontario on masks and pausing social circles - advising everyone to only have close contact with....

...the people you live with.

If we all follow the public health advice now, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our overall economy.