Ontario premier says ‘positive news’ on restrictions will be coming this week

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will likely be making an announcement this week about COVID-19 restrictions.

Ford told Ottawa radio station CFRA that the province will have “some positive news” about reducing the level of restrictions.

Back on Jan. 3, the government announced that, due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant driving up COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, restrictions would be placed on businesses until at least Jan. 26.

Restaurants were ordered to close indoor dining areas, museums, zoos and other such attractions were shut down as well as gyms and indoor recreation facilities. Social gatherings were limited to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors and retail settings, including malls, were reduced to 50 per cent capacity.

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At the time of the announcement, the province said restrictions would remain in effect for at least 21 days, subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.

Last week, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health said he is watching for a peak or plateau of COVID-19 hospitalizations, and he can’t guarantee the province will be ready to ease the restrictions on the 26th.