The City is getting ready for the second wave of COVID-19 in Toronto. Dr. Eileen de Villa has said the wave is "inevitable" and that a plan has been created to stop the spread. In the plan, public health highlights what steps will be taken immediately to keep everyone safe.
In a news release, the City has outlined their plan, which has five main priority areas to address should there be a resurgence of COVID-19 in the fall and winter months.
The steps include implementing public health measures such as another lockdown if needed.
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Other actions include supporting vulnerable populations, supporting City employees, easing economic impacts, and ensuring a coordinated response for strengthening services.
"We have learned valuable lessons from the first wave of COVID-19 in Toronto," said Councillor Joe Cressy.
"Now, we are taking this knowledge and incorporating it into the plans for a resurgence of the virus this fall and winter, so we can have a swift and responsive approach."
According to the news release, officials have been looking back at official data from the start of the pandemic in order to better understand what worked well during the first wave and what didn't.
.@epdevilla: "It isn't a question of if we'll see more virus in #Toronto. It's a matter of when. You may be tired o… https://t.co/VxRTFi3uGE— City of Toronto (@City of Toronto)1598908200.0
"Virus resurgence is inevitable because most of us do not have immunity," said de Villa.
"We will continue to vigorously champion the effective protections that have served Toronto well since the pandemic began here."
The City will also be responding to communities based on local needs, including setting up a voluntary isolation site for those who cannot safely quarantine at home.
Today the #CityofTO announced its COVID-19 Resurgence Plan, which outlines priorities and actions the City will imp… https://t.co/2SUt2vCyvz— City of Toronto (@City of Toronto)1598908111.0
Furthermore, they've outlined potential scenarios that the City will need to handle.
These include plans geared towards services such as the TTC, child care centres, long-term care homes, shelters, public buildings, and more.
Toronto is prepared to close all recreation facilities and convert them into food distribution sites or expand on the shelter system with extra space.
For the TTC, service levels will change based on ridership and demand, and the transit agency will continue to follow its COVID-19 containment response.
“City staff are benefitting from all we have experienced and learned over the last six months to ensure we are as prepared as possible for a resurgence," said City Manager Chris Murray.