Frustrated that there remain people in the city ignoring orders to stay home and maintain a six-foot distance from others if they must be in public, Toronto Mayor John Tory warned on Wednesday that he has had a bylaw drafted and he’s not afraid to use it.

“This bylaw, if necessary, would help us spell this out in clear terms, but I hope it’s not necessary to bring it forward and I hope it’s not necessary to have enforcement take place under it,” said Tory, speaking at a press conference held at city hall to announce the toughest restrictions yet being undertaken to contain the virus.

All individuals with COVID-19, or who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, have been ordered quarantined by Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa.

“This is as close to a lockdown as the city is legally able to implement,” said Coun. Joe Cressy, chair of the city’s Board of Health.

“We have thrown the kitchen sink at this crisis today, this is everything in the city’s power.”

Cressy said the city and its medical officer of health don’t have the legal authority to issue blanket orders for closure of businesses, as the province did, nor do they have the authority to order individuals to remain in place, as has been done in some parts of the U.S.

But it is in their power to order those who are ill to remain in quarantine.

The quarantines will be enforced by public health inspectors and the penalty for violating the orders is a fine of up to $5,000 said city spokesperson Brad Ross.

De Villa also promised enhanced follow-up of travellers returning to Canada, to ensure they self-isolate for 14 days.

Dr. Vinita Dubey, Associate Medical Officer of Health, said while TPH does not have information on people who have returned from travel, as of March 25, under the federal government’s Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act, any person entering Canada by air, sea or land must self-isolate for 14 days, whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.

Upon entering Canada, travellers are supposed to be asked questions about their health and symptoms, which they are required to report to a screening or quarantine officer.

“The Public Health Agency of Canada will work with federal and provincial partners to verify compliance with the order,” said Dubey.

The last time such measures were undertaken was during an Ebola outbreak.

Penalties for failing to self-isolate can result in a fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months, Dubey pointed out.

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Any person who causes a risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another person while contravening the federal regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both. Spot checks will be conducted, she said.

Toronto’s bylaw enforcement officers have also been given powers to enforce provincial regulations and Toronto Police Services officers are also involved in enforcing some of the orders.