Top doctors in Peel, Toronto want to allow some outdoor activities while in lockdown

The top doctors in Ontario’s two main COVID-19 hot spots are preparing for warmer weather.

Dr. Eileen de Villa and Dr. Lawrence Loh say they’re seeking to ease some of the restrictions on outdoor activities in Toronto and Peel.

Both medical officers want to keep their communities in the strictest grey “lockdown” category of Ontario’s pandemic framework, but with adjustments that would allow for outdoor dining and fitness.

The “grey” zone allows retailers to open with restrictions but bans indoor restaurant dining, gyms and personal care services

Loh, Peel’s top doctor, says the region’s virus data does not support further broad reopening right now.

But he says the region is exploring striking a balance between the warmer weather, growing variant cases and vaccine supply.

He notes that the province will ultimately make the decision on where Peel will be in the framework.