As city's curve flattens, Toronto deals with two distinct outbreaks: de Villa

Torontosun.com
April 21, 2020
Bryan Passifiume

Toronto’s top doctor says the city’s in the midst of two distinct COVID-19 outbreaks -- both within the community and the city’s long-term care homes.

Speaking Monday at the city’s daily COVID-19 press briefing, chief medical officer Dr. Eileen de Villa said that while most hospitalizations are from cases contracted within the community, many of the deaths are linked to patients from Toronto’s long-term care homes.

“These are distinct because they occur among two different populations with different risk factors for acquiring infection,” she said.

“We also see COVID-19 infections leading to different outcomes in these two settings.”

The city saw 537 new cases over the weekend, putting the total number in Toronto at 3,682.

Some 262 patients are in hospital, while 99 are receiving intensive care, and 81 are intubated.

While 204 patients have recovered from the illness, the city’s COVID-19 death toll sits at 181.

While Dr. de Villa said available data suggests the city is within the peak period for reported cases, she warns against letting our guard down.

“We are seeing our curve flattening because you are washing your hands, you are staying home and you are keeping a safe distance from your friends, your families and other loved ones, as difficult as I know this is,” she said.

“The only way we will continue to be successful is if we continue to keep these measures in place for more time, and for everyone to continue to do their part by staying home.”