Premier Doug Ford is expected to announce new COVID-19 restrictions due to a surge in infections today.
He told Ontario residents yesterday to “stay tuned”.
He also urged them to stay home over the Easter weekend.
Locally, there was a record 32 new cases of COVID-19 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties yesterday leading to a record number of 71 active cases.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza is urging people to hold gatherings only with people in their immediate households and to keep the group to no more than five people.
Oglaza said people shouldn’t be travelling outside of the region or accepting visitors from outside of the region.
Under a class order, businesses are not to accept patrons from outside of Hastings-Prince Edward and all short-term accommodations such as bed and breakfasts must be closed.
Meanwhile several media reports suggest the Premier will put a one month long so-called “emergency brake” into effect across the province effective at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Reports indicate the restrictions involved would be similar to those in the “grey zone” of Ontario’s colour-coded COVID response system.
Those restrictions could mean essential retail businesses could only operate at 50% capacity while non-essential retail businesses could open but only at 25% capacity. Religious services could be held but at just 25% capacity.
Indoor dining would not be allowed and hair salons and other personal care services would have to close, as would gyms.
It’s reported schools would stay open next week leading to a scheduled week long break starting April 12.
Provincial officials were still working out details Wednesday evening so it’s not known at this time what the final restrictions will be and the Premier will be announcing them today (Thursday).
