Premier Doug Ford stresses it’s unacceptable that thousands of Ontarians headed outside this past weekend to enjoy the warm weather.
Ford has announced that a State of Emergency scheduled to expire Tuesday will be extended for another two weeks.
He warns the government will take more stringent measures if need be to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Ford says he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on additional restrictions and enforcement, stressing that anything and everything is on the table in the fight against COVID-19.
“The more we can reduce the spread of this virus, the quicker we can get through this. We will get through this. It’s just a matter of time.”
He adds “We can either go the route of Italy and Spain or we can go the route of South Korea and at times Germany as well. We want to make sure that we get the curve to bend and start going down. We are in a race right now. We are in a race for supplies. We are in a race against the virus.”
Ford says “Over the next few weeks is critical. Absolutely critical the next few weeks on which way this curve’s going to go. And the more the people can help out and practice the social distancing, practice staying at home, the quicker we can get through this.”
He adds says supply lines for critical equipment including masks will be severely strained unless Ontario can push back any surge of COVID-19 hospital patients.
Meantime, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams is now strongly recommending that individuals over 70 years of age self-isolate and anyone with a cough, fever or trouble breathing is asked to contact a medical professional or cal Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-767-0000.
Dr. Williams stresses everyone should be staying inside except for essential reasons including:
-Access health care services.
-Shop for groceries.
-Pick-up medication at the pharmacy.
-Walk pets when required
-Support vulnerable community members with meeting the above needs.
He adds if you do go outside your home you must keep two metres between you and other people.
Those who are returning from travel outside Canada must self-isolate for 14 days.
