The Premier of Ontario is cautiously optimistic that life will be returning to “almost normal” in the next few weeks.
Appearing on CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show Doug Ford says his government needs some time between reopening phases to gauge where the infection and hospitalization numbers are going, especially since students have just returned to classrooms.
“We’re seeing the numbers decline slowly but we just want to be cautious and get back to normal in March sometime.”
The provincial government’s policy has been to have a 21-day pause between any reopening moves.
Premier Ford says he expects it will be some time yet before masking mandates are lifted.
Meanwhile seeing empty shelves at grocery and other stores has become more commonplace in recent weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Ford says there are two reasons for some goods not being available.
One has nothing to do with the pandemic and that is a serious ongoing shortage of truck drivers in North America.
The other reason has a lot to do with COVID-19.
“And I think the biggest thing is the absenteeism when we go to the processing plants, the meat processing plant or chicken or manufacturing facilities. We have to get everyone back to work, get them healthy and then we’ll see a good supply of goods on the shelves.”
Meanwhile Ford says he expects a so-called “10 dollar a day” childcare deal with the federal government will be agreed upon soon.
The Premier says they want a good deal for Ontario residents, not just “any deal.”
