Province could announce tighter restrictions on Halton, Durham regions

The province is expected to announce whether tighter COVID-19 restrictions will be put on Halton and Durham regions.

If they decide to roll Halton back to a modified Stage 2 of the province’s pandemic recovery plan, they’d be doing it against local politicians’ wishes.

Mayors from the region have written to the province’s top doctor, Dr. David Williams, urging him to take a more targeted approach.

“A blanket approach that unfairly punishes small businesses with no explanation will hurt our local economy and impact buy-in from our residents,” they said.

“A more measured approach would be for the Province to provide guidance and specifically target sources of community spread.”

The letter was signed by the mayors of Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton and the regional chair.

They say Halton’s COVID case numbers aren’t as high as other regions that have gone back to Stage 2, such as Toronto, Peel and York.

Under the modified Stage 2, indoor gyms, fitness centres and movie theatres must close.

Indoor food and drink service is not allowed at bars, restaurants and nightclubs and social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors.

Team sports are also limited to training sessions, which is something the region already implemented last week.

Premier Doug Ford will be providing his daily update at 1 p.m.

You can watch it live here.