We're planning to take my mother to toronto to celebrate her 75th in mid july. Now I'm a bit concerned about the new sars outbreak. Any thoughts on that? I intended to get tickets to lion king but now I wonder if I should wait since I'm sure they're nonrefundable. Same on most hotel deals. Would the royal york be a good area which would require little walking for her?

The only place in Toronto where you really have to worry about SARS is in the hospitals and even then only in certain ones. If your mother is in tentative health and there is even a small chance of having to take her to a hospital then I would wait a couple of weeks to see if the epidemic has been succesfully contained.

Other than the hospital issue you can rest assured that Toronto is perfectly safe to visit and enjoy.

For accurate information regarding SARS in Toronto, the following website is an excellent resource:

www.city.toronto.on.ca/health/sars/index.htm

The Royal York Hotel is a lovely place to stay. Its about a 15 minute walk to the Princess of Wales Theatre from the hotel - but, taxis are readily available should you prefer.

Even some of the affected hospitals are only closed in certain areas. There's still no indication that there is any spread to the general public - this new outbreak is affecting health care workers and other patients that were exposed in a hospital about a month ago. We're expecting a grandchild literally any second; the delivery is taking place in one of the affected hospitals, and I expect to be able to visit this afternoon.

Thanks so much for the reassurance. I guess we'll go ahead and book. I appreciate the comments.

I would suspect OP, that your chances of contracting SARS are about as great as dying from measles. Really. And I am not being sarcastic.

Also, you CAN eat the beef, it is completely safe. If you are inclined that way.

Enjoy Canada and DON'T WORRY.

jobeydog I just returned from Toronto and I see no reason to cancel your trip. Just be smart don't go to any hospitals etc. I have asthma and my immune system stinks so if I contracted SARS I would hate to think what I would be like. Infact walking all around that great city I think I was probably the unhealthest of all with the dreaded allergy symptoms. Have a great time.