Toronto extends mask mandate, COVID-19 protocols until end of September amidst continued concerns of virus spread

The bylaws, which were set to expire today, were extended when Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa issued her recommendations to combat the pandemic earlier this month.

"Given the continued significant spread of COVID-19, and the current percentage of the population that is vaccinated, this report recommends extending the City of Toronto COVID-19 temporary bylaws aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 until the end of City Council’s September 30 and October 1, 2021 meeting," stated de Villa’s recommendation.

Residents will be required to wear masks in common areas of businesses, apartments, and condominiums, and continue physical distancing in the city’s public park and squares according to a news release.

Apartment buildings will also continue to be required to keep non-essential common areas closed, and continued to display public health signage and offer hand washing stations.

Restaurants will be required to continue maintaining customer logs, as well as keeping signage up and capacity and table limits.

"We continue to use the data to inform our decisions and today’s step is no different. COVID-19 numbers are decreasing, but it remains a significant concern and we need to continue our efforts to reduce and limit virus spread," said de Villa.

Despite the city’s residents getting vaccinated, with 72.3 percent receiving their first done and 10 percent receiving their second, "the impact of COVID-19 continues in Toronto with variants of concern increasing both the risk of transmission and serious illness or death," states the news release.