Toronto's new coronavirus cases remain under 20, but uptick could occur: top doctor

Toronto’s top doctor warned that while the city’s new COVID-19 cases remain below 20, an uptick could occur as more workplaces reopen.

On Wednesday, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said that “numbers continue to be in the low double-digit range, which is good news.”

Specifically, Toronto reported 18 new cases on August 5. At time of writing, the total is 15,421 with 13,974 recovered.

De Villa did note, however, that “while our numbers are steady this doesn’t mean we won’t see an uptick of cases in our city.”

She said that increase in cases “don’t happen overnight” as symptoms can take up to 14 days. As a result, Toronto Public Health is actively monitoring how the economic reopening is “impacting virus spread” as Toronto entered Stage 3 of reopening on July 31.

De Villa added that there are “concerning increases” in some jurisdictions that reported low or no virus activity for some time, but did not specify which regions.

“I know these months have been very difficult but this pandemic is not over,” she said. “We need to keep doing our best to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the city.”

The Medical Officer of Health said that with Stage 3, indoor gatherings can hold up to 50 people, with outdoor settings allowing for 100.

But, if the physical space cannot hold the amount of people with proper physical distancing then fewer people should be invited or admitted to the event.

She also mentioned that on Friday, August 7, there will be a COVID-19 testing site at Rexdale Community Hub, 21 Pandora Court, from 11 am to 7 pm.