John Tory Ends Toronto’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration – Toronto | The Canadian News

Toronto Mayor John Tory has ended the city’s emergency declaration over COVID-19.

The emergency was first declared on March 23, 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the world.

It was the first official declared emergency in modern Toronto’s history, city officials said.

“While COVID-19 remains a serious concern that requires continued efforts and vigilance, the City’s efforts to combat COVID-19 have placed Toronto in a position where the emergency declared in response can be brought to an end. to the pandemic,” a City news release said. Monday.

“The city has been working for the past several months to ensure staff redeployed due to the emergency declaration can return to their pre-pandemic positions without disrupting ongoing service delivery.”

The decision to end the emergency was made in consultation with Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, City Manager Chris Murray and the Strategic Command Team.

Officials said vaccinations remain the “single best tool” in the fight against COVID and vaccines continue to be offered to residents. Toronto has delivered more than seven million doses so far.

In the meantime, COVID-related supports remain available through the city ​​website.

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“We have come through this period of emergency thanks to our dedicated City staff who faced this global pandemic, the greatest challenge of our generation, with a determination to do everything possible to help residents and continue to provide much-needed City services. ”. Tory said in the statement.

“As Team Toronto’s world-leading COVID-19 vaccination campaign continues, I want to thank everyone who has worked to help people get vaccinated and deliver more than 7 million doses so far. Most importantly, I want to thank the residents of Toronto who have worked with us during the emergency period of the pandemic to make sure we get through these difficult times and come back stronger than ever.”

De Villa said that while there continues to be virus activity in the city, thanks to rapidly evolving science, a greater understanding of COVID-19, and the efforts people have made to protect each other, the city is in a “ much better place.” .”