City Update: Emergency Cooling Centres
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Starting at 11 a.m. on July 2, the City of Toronto will open 15 Emergency Cooling Centres for the duration of a Heat Warning declared by Environment and Climate Change Canada for Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5. Extreme heat is associated with negative health impacts ranging from heat stress to heat stroke and death. During periods of hot weather, the safety of all residents is the priority._An interactive map is available to help those who need to locate an Emergency Cooling Centre near them:https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/hot-weather/cool-spaces-near-you/._The Emergency Cooling Centres will offer a publicly accessible, air-conditioned place for residents who do not have access to a cool space and cannot keep cool in their home or outdoors to rest indoors and receive a cool drink. Staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat will be on hand. Strict infection prevention and control measures will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19._All the centres will operate during Heat Warnings from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m._Tips to protect yourself from the heat are available at https://www.toronto.ca/keepcool. When a Heat Warning is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries can call 311._To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, people who are at higher risk for COVID-19 (e.g., persons who are more than 70 years of age), or who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 (e.g., symptoms, high risk exposure), may visit an Emergency Cooling Centre if necessary to beat the heat while taking the following precautions:* Wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times * Avoid use of public transportation, taxis or ride-shares * Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette * Practice physical distancingWhen arriving, inform a staff member prior to entering of your COVID-19 or self-isolation status during the screening process. _ Emergency Cooling Centre staff will screen all visitors and accommodate those who are required to self-isolate in an alternate space separate from the main Emergency Cooling Centre area.
