Friday, April 19, 2024

Province could announce tighter restrictions on Halton, Durham regions

First Published:

The province is expected to announce whether tighter COVID-19 restrictions will be put on Halton and Durham regions.

If they decide to roll Halton back to a modified Stage 2 of the province’s pandemic recovery plan, they’d be doing it against local politicians’ wishes.

Mayors from the region have written to the province’s top doctor, Dr. David Williams, urging him to take a more targeted approach.

“A blanket approach that unfairly punishes small businesses with no explanation will hurt our local economy and impact buy-in from our residents,” they said.

“A more measured approach would be for the Province to provide guidance and specifically target sources of community spread.”

The letter was signed by the mayors of Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton and the regional chair.

They say Halton’s COVID case numbers aren’t as high as other regions that have gone back to Stage 2, such as Toronto, Peel and York.

Under the modified Stage 2, indoor gyms, fitness centres and movie theatres must close.

Indoor food and drink service is not allowed at bars, restaurants and nightclubs and social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors.

Team sports are also limited to training sessions, which is something the region already implemented last week.

Premier Doug Ford will be providing his daily update at 1 p.m.

You can watch it live here.

More Top News

Students, parents at Westdale school protest start time change

It's been two years since the start bell time changed from 8:35 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Westdale Secondary. A group of parents and...

Ontario’s Big City Mayors discuss housing, mental health and homelessness

Ontario's Big City Mayors held its annual general meeting in downtown Burlington on Friday, with Mayor Marianne Meed Ward chairing the event.  The meeting focused...

Evening weather forecast for April 19, 2024

Shelly Marriage breaks down the forecast for April 19, 2024 and the weekend ahead.

Sportsline: Allan Cup Challenge tournament director Don Robertson

VIDEO: Canada's oldest national hockey championship, the Allan Cup Challenge, begins Saturday in Dundas. On April 27, the final will be televised on CHCH...

Hamilton police report 26% increase in hate-related incidents in 2023

Hate in Hamilton is on the rise, according to figures pulled from the city's latest police report. On Friday, the force said it recorded 220...

Gas line struck after stolen car crashes into Hamilton home

A stolen pickup truck crashed into other vehicles then two houses in east Hamilton rupturing their natural gas lines early Friday. Police called on residents...