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There was an increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths in Toronto over several days last week, Toronto Public Health (TPH) warns.
There were five such deaths in the city between April 28 and last Friday, officials said in a news release.
“In comparison, the average number of suspected opioid overdose-related deaths for four-day periods in the past 12 weeks was two,” the release reads.
Three of the fatal calls happened in close proximity in North York, TPH says, and all of them happened outside of the downtown core.
City health officials say they have received reports from staff and clients about a new batch of drugs circulating that are in a light green rock form.
“Clients have reported a higher potency overdose, and outreach staff have reported heavier sedation associated with this substance,” the news release reads.
Public health is advising people who use drugs to not take them alone, to carry naloxone, and to use drug checking services and supervised consumption sites where available.
WATCH | The fallout from consumption site closure:
Moss Park drug consumption sites to close as Ontario ends funding
Two supervised drug consumption sites in Moss Park received letters on Friday from the Ontario Ministry of Health saying that their provincial funding will end in 90 days. CBC’s Ali Chiasson spoke to advocates who are concerned this could lead to more open drug use in the area.