Toronto top doctor says multiple weddings led to 22 COVID-19 infections

By News Staff, Lucas Casaletto

Local weddings continue to be a culprit behind the spread of COVID-19 as Toronto reports yet another high daily increase of new infections.

Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health is reporting 86 new COVID-19 cases across the city with six of them confirmed as staff at local schools.

Dr. Eileen de Villa says in the last six weeks, 50 per cent of infections have been categorized as close contact.

“It’s happening particularly at events where your guard is down,” de Villa said alongside Mayor John Tory at their daily COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday.

“My team is currently investigating and tracking four separate weddings that have so far generated 22 infections. Remember, prior to their positive test, these 22 people would have been contagious possibly without knowing it for a period of time.”

She says there have also been infections from smaller gatherings including play dates and gatherings of extended family.

The update from health officials comes as the topic of large gatherings continues to be debated by the Ford government. The Premier said on Wednesday a decision on limiting social gatherings is coming soon as the province deals with three COVID-19 hot spots in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa.

The trend of positive infections at weddings is a troubling and contentious one being felt across the GTA. In early September, York Region Public Health said 23 attendees tested positive for coronavirus.

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