Ontario implements new restrictions as COVID-19 cases rise

The Ontario government is tightening public health measures in response to the second wave of COVID-19 and cold weather months.

This announcement comes after Ontario saw a record high of 732 new cases today.

The government is pausing social circles and advising all Ontarians to only have close contact with people living in their household.

Starting Oct. 6, there will only be appointment-based testing at Ontario assessment centres.

The government says assessment centres will be discontinuing their walk-in testing services this Sunday.

Additional restrictions will be put in place in Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel which have led the province in new cases for weeks.

Premier Ford says starting Saturday at 12:01 a.m., restaurants, bars, gyms, and banquet halls in Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel,  will have new restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

A maximum of 100 people will be allowed in restaurants and event halls with no more than six people at each table.

No more than 50 people will be allowed in gyms.

The announcement made this afternoon highlighted the importance of taking action after modelling released this week predicted rates of a thousand new cases in the next couple of weeks. 

“With the weather changing and more people moving indoors, the decision to introduce new restrictions on restaurants, gyms and other businesses was difficult,” said Premier Ford.

“However, we will do whatever is necessary, acting on the advice of our public health experts, to turn the tide on this second wave and keep everyone safe.”

Ontario urges everyone to follow public health advice such as practicing physical distancing, wearing face masks, and frequently washing hands.