The Ontario government says it is moving COVID-19 hotspots Toronto and Peel Region into lockdown 12: am Monday, November 23.
The move will last more than one week and will see businesses such as salons and gyms close and moving restaurants to take out only and malls to control pickup, with Schools and child-care centres remaining open.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement alongside chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams, health minister Christine Elliott and finance minister Rod Phillips at Queen’s Park. There was no end date provided, though Ford mentioned seeing how the new measures work over the next four weeks.
‘Further action is required to avoid the worst-case scenario,’ Ford said. ‘I know this is difficult news today. This is not where we want to be. But I have faith that Ontario will weather this storm together.’
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Under lockdown measures, grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, hardware stores, department stores, alcohol providers, pharmacies, safety supply stores will be exempt from in-person shopping restrictions, but those businesses must cap the number of customers at 50 percent of approved capacity.
Weddings, funerals and religious services are capped at 10 people indoors and 10 people outdoors. Physical distancing must be adhered to. All indoor social gatherings should be with members of the same household. Outdoor gatherings are capped at 10 people.
‘Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation,’ Elliott said.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK