April 22, 2020 - This Sakura Watch is an update to the evolving COVID-19 situation and the announced closure of High Park.
April 22, 2020 - This Sakura Watch is an update to the evolving COVID-19 situation and the announced closure of High Park.
Every year, at around this time, many people's instincts naturally turn to look for the first signs of spring, with the most prominent being the sakura cherry blossoms. We dream of finding the best spots throughout the City for that perfect experience in capturing a glimpse of the beautiful white flowers that remind us all of the hope of new beginnings. Then today, the City of Toronto officially announced the complete closure of High Park during the cherry blossom season.
Watch the YouTube update below:
Mayor John Tory’s Statement
Then today, the City of Toronto officially announced the complete closure of High Park during the cherry blossom season. In the briefing, Mayor John Tory said:
Based on the recommendations of the Medical Officer of Health to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives, the City of Toronto is working to make the High Park cherry blossoms available online during the upcoming park closure.
Every year tens of thousands of people visit High Park to view the blossoming Sakura (cherry blossom) trees. The blossoms typically last between four and 10 days, depending on weather. The peak bloom time period traditionally occurs from late April to early May.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, High Park will be closed during the pre-bloom and peak bloom period of the cherry blossom trees, as maintaining proper physical distancing will not be possible. The park closure dates are weather-dependent and will be announced when the bloom period is determined.
To encourage residents to stay home and stay safe, the City is working on a virtual walk-through of the blossoming trees in High Park. Residents will be able to experience this year's cherry blossom season through multiple livestream events and videos. More details will be announced soon.
Watch the City of Toronto’s full briefing on YouTube.
Parkdale-High Park Councillor Gord Perks also later released a statement in which he succinctly shared the sentiment of the closure to all those who regularly visit High Park:
This will be disappointing both for people who love the Cherry Blossoms, and people who regularly use the park. But, our first duty is to keep each other safe.
Big crowds cause bigger problems
As to why the City came to this decision, you only need to look at examples of just how vast and immense the crowds were throughout High Park in 2019.
As seen in the YouTube video and screen shots below, the immense scale of hundreds and even thousands of visitors trekking through the park. Many go in groups of family and friends, trying to take that perfect photo with just the right angle or use the natural backdrop for their selfie. All the while, people are shoulder to shoulder, mere inches apart, without even the faintest thought of social distancing.
Health Risks are too high
We've already seen examples around the globe of how easily a single infected COVID-19 person can infect a crowd through casual contact. This scenario would potentially be catastrophic in stopping the pandemic and easily cause newly infected cases to skyrocket overnight. The health risks are far too high. We have come so far with significant progress made, that to throw all our efforts away to view the cherry blossoms would be a monumental setback for Toronto, and could even needlessly endanger countless lives.
Virtual viewing of the Cherry Blossoms
Instead, we need to take this time to listen to the Health Professionals' advice, stay home, and enjoy the cherry blossom through virtual streams and videos. I'll be going through my archives and posting similar videos in the days ahead, along with sharing some other plans to help all of us get through this. As I won’t be able to bring you bloom updates this year, I will be doing what I can to support the efforts set forth by the City here and throughout my social media channels.
Most importantly, we all need to work together, to stay apart and do our part to help flatten that curve. The sooner we all can do this, the sooner we can begin to get back to the things we've missed and sacrificed over the past weeks and months.
For more COVID-19 information
Every day we're seeing just how highly contagious this virus is and how it can infect both young and old alike. Even if you don't have the symptoms, you may still be carrying it and spreading it to your family and friends. Your best and only right option is to listen to the advice from our medical professionals.
City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/
Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Remember to follow the advice from the health experts. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home (if you can), and if you absolutely need to go out in public, practice Social Distancing by keeping at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from others.
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be Safe. Watch for some other updates soon.