The main strategies adopted by the Toronto government in the COVID-19 pandemic: epidemiology study

Abstract

Objetive To analyze the epidemiological data and the main government measures adopted against the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Epidemiologic study built with data from the integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) and the official Government of Canada website in a time frame from January to July 2020. Results Toronto presents the first case of COVID 19 on January 23rd and until July 1st, 2020, it records a number of 14 468 cases, 12.574 recovered cases, 1.100 deaths and 171 institutional outbreaks. About 53,04% of the cases were female, aged 40-59 years (29,81%), followed by 20-39 years (28,37%). Contagion forms were analyzed: 56,40% had close contact with a case, 24,23% in the community, 10,30% in health services, 5,58% while traveling and 3,49% in institutions. Economic and financial actions, travel measures, support for Canadians abroad, public education, research and technology were developed. Conclusion The COVID-19 is a serious threat to public health around the world. Canada has a strong history of pandemic planning and has worked together with public health for its developed actions to become adaptable based on evolution, outbreak containment and prevention of further spread.