There are calls from three Medical Officers of Health in southern Ontario to implement a province-wide stay-at-home order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon with the Northwestern Health Unit says she doesn’t know if we need such an order in our catchment area.
“We are recommending that people only interact with their own household. Outdoor gathering limits are limited to five people and we’re recommending that people avoid activities where they interact with others. Which is somewhat similar to a stay-at-home order.”
Dr. Young Hoon notes we are in a situation where we are seeing variants of concern and that can change rapidly but we can do our part by following the rules and recommendations under the lockdown.
The Medical Officer says that should allow us to control the situation here at home.
Premier Doug Ford once again says everything is on the table.
“This variant is moving hour-by-hour, day-by-day. So we have to move with it and be nimble and be quick.”
He adds, “This variant is taking off. Please, when you can, follow all protocols. Make sure, when you can, stay at home. We understand you got to get out, get fresh air, god bless you, but do it responsibly.”
Ford stresses, “What’s essential is going to buy food. Going to buy medicine out of the pharmacies and getting your vaccines.”
Ford hints he’s prepared to announce further restrictions Wednesday but wouldn’t go as far as saying if it would province-wide.
“We’re going to have further restrictions moving forward very, very quickly. We have to focus on where we see the problem. Three regions. York, Peel and Toronto represent 60% of the COVID cases.”
Ford says “We are going to be very clear tomorrow (Wednesday) on what we’re hearing from our Chief Medical Officer to secure, secure areas, the three areas. Again we’re going to target the big employers in hot areas. We’re going to make sure we target neighbourhoods in hot areas.”
He adds Ontario doesn’t have an unlimited supply of vaccines and they need more.
Ford notes the recent shipment of vaccines were already spoken for.
