New Toronto restrictions take effect, Mayor Tory ‘deeply concerned’

By News Staff

Mayor John Tory says he is “deeply concerned” with rising COVID-19 numbers in Toronto and across the province.

As numbers continue to move in the wrong direction, Toronto is bracing for the toughest restrictions since the original lockdown in March. The city moved into the red zone of Ontario’s colour coded framework at midnight on Saturday.

This means no get-togethers with anyone outside of your household, and no going out unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Under the new COVID-19 control measures indoor dining will remain closed — gyms can reopen with a capacity of up to 10 people under the new framework, but indoor fitness classes are banned.

Health officials are also asking everyone to limit close contact to those in your household and stay home as much as possible with the exception of work, school, essentials and outdoor exercise.

Toronto Mayor John Tory has said his message is simple, “stay home” and to only go out for essential reasons.

“I remain absolutely committed to doing everything we can and everything that public health officials believe is necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Tory.

Toronto is one step away from a full lockdown — the associate medical officer of health has said if cases don’t stabilize, it a lockdown is possible.

RELATED: COVID-19 projections have Ontario potentially topping 6,000 cases a day by mid-December

Meanwhile, GTA mayors are asking people not to gather for Diwali celebrations this weekend as Hindus and Sikhs mark the Festival of Lights, amid soaring COVID-19 case numbers.

As case numbers continue to soar in Peel Region, the mayor of Brampton is asking residents not to gather — especially after a noticeable spike in cases over Halloween and Thanksgiving.

The request including, like Toronto, for resident to only go out for essential reasons — Peel recorded a record 466 cases on Tuesday.

Officials are worried cases will spike out of control, and warning social gathering limits will be enforced.

Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness for typically five days.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today