Premier Doug Ford says if the government is forced to go back to COVID-19 shutdowns, northern Ontario wouldn’t be included right now.
In a virtual meeting with Chamber of Commerce reps from across the north, Ford re-stated he is sticking to his regional approach.
“I don’t believe the north, or any other region, should be punished because of Toronto, Ottawa and Peel.”
Ford stresses “People in the north are listening. So it wouldn’t be a broad swipe across the province and that’s the reason the north was able to open up Stage 2 and 3 a lot sooner than other areas because people listen. It’s as simple as that. They don’t let their guard down.”
Ford adds people in our area aren’t holding parties for 150 people like they are in Brampton which he calls ridiculous.
He states any decision to close down local economies will be based on the advice of the regional medical officer and the provincial medical officer of health.
Ford reminds local residents to continue to follow physical distancing, hygiene and mask rules.
Ontario is reporting 251 new cases Tuesday but there are no active cases in all of northwestern Ontario.
