November 22, 2020

Ontario implements new COVID-19 lockdown measures

This is an excerpt from the CBC's analysis on the new COVID-19 lockdown measures that start Monday, November 23, as Ontario tries to stop 'worst-case scenario'.

CBC News, November 20, 2020

Toronto and Peel Region are moving into "lockdown" effective at 12:01 a.m. Monday as Ontario tries to curb a steep rise in COVID-19 cases, Premier Doug Ford announced Friday.

The shutdown will last a minimum of 28 days, equal to two incubation periods for the coronavirus, and the province says it will fine people $750 for violating public-health rules.

"Further action is required to prevent the worst-case scenario," Ford told reporters.

Meanwhile, Durham and Waterloo regions are moving into the red "control" zones while Huron-Perth, Simcoe-Muskoka, southwestern Ontario and Windsor are moving to the orange "restrict" zone.

The lockdown restrictions for Toronto and Peel include:

No indoor gatherings with anyone outside a person's household.
Individuals who live alone can have close contact with one other household.
Outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
Restaurants are limited to take-out, drive-through and delivery only.
Religious services, funerals and weddings are limited to 10 people indoors or 10 people outdoors.
Gyms are closed.
Non-essential retail and malls are limited to curbside pickup or delivery only.
Personal care services, casinos and bingo halls are closed.
Post-secondary institutions move to virtual instruction, with some exceptions, such as clinical training.
Pharmacies, doctor and dentist offices, grocery stores, essential services remain open.
Schools will also remain open.