The number of COVID-19 cases in Toronto has decreased and levelled off according to Public Health officials.
As of January 12 there were 72 COVID-19, some 15 influenza and nine RSV active outbreaks in the City’s healthcare institutions, says Toronto Public Health (TPH) officials.
The amount of influenza has decreased as the number of COVID-19 positivity has levelled off from December 31 to January 6 this year, TPH officials said in a report on January 15.
People are still warned to be careful and may consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.
The report state that the number of emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses decreased from December 31 to January 6, and the number of respiratory-related emergency room visits are still at moderate to elevated level.
It said there were 3.266 respiratory viral visits to emergency rooms in January 2024 for seven days or more.
The report said there were about 30 COVID-19 outbreaks in December 2023 and 35 outbreaks of respiratory syncytial virus.
It said those aged from 50 to 69 high-risk Toronto residents lead the COVID-19 vaccine group in the last six months, with some 160,000 people.
“Higher risk age groups received a large share of recently administered COVID-19 doses in Toronto,” according to the report.
TPH supports outbreak responses in long-term care, shelters and health care settings by: distributing outbreak preparedness tool kits, supporting adherence to best practices in settings like long-term care and group homes.
As of January 12 there were 72 COVID-19, 15 influenza and nine RSV active outbreaks in our healthcare institutions.
They also support and provide guidance for outbreak management and provide health care with information to protect themselves and their patients.
The TPH took its final step last December 13 in winding down its COVID-19 pandemic response as provincial funding ended and fixed-site vaccination clinics permanently shut down.
The City said everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, RSV and the flu. They warn anyone who is sick to remain at home and advise to wear a mask if in crowded areas.
If you want to get vaccinate and have a valid OHIP card, you can call and find out if the flu or COVID-19 vaccines are being offered at a local pharmacy or walk-in clinic. You can also find a doctor who is accepting new patients.
People who are not insured can reach out to a Community Health Centre to receive health services.