[Toronto – June 14, 2020] The City of Toronto continues to respond to COVID-19. Provincial orders restricting gatherings of more than 10 people who are not members of the same household are now in effect. All people should continue to follow public health recommendations for physical distancing when leaving the house for any reason. The City of Toronto has produced three short videos on how to effectively use non-medical masks or face coverings when physical distancing isn’t possible.
There are 13,330 cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 94 cases since yesterday. Currently, there are 303 people hospitalized, with 73 in ICU. In total, 10,981 people have recovered from COVID-19, an increase of 150 cases since yesterday. To date, there have been 982 COVID-19 deaths in Toronto. Case status data can be found on the City’s reporting platform.
The city of Toronto has also summarized qualities of a good cloth mask or face covering and posted an infographic.
A good cloth mask or face covering should:
- Be made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric (e.g. cotton or linen).
- Allow for easy breathing.
- Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops.
- Maintain its shape after washing and drying.
- Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment.
- Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping.
- Use different fabrics for each side of the mask, so you know which side faces in and out.
Masks or face coverings should not:
- Impair vision or interfere with tasks.
- Be made of plastic or other non-breathable materials.
- Be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials.
- Be made of materials that may fall apart easily, such as tissues.
For instructions on making a mask using fabric, a t-shirt or a bandana, visit the Government of Canada website.
