Ontario is set to close throughout the province on December 26

TORONTO, OP Ontario on Monday announced a province-wide shutdown due to a second wave of COVID-19 in Canada’s most populous province.

The lockdown will take place from December 26 to January 23 for southern Ontario, but will be lifted for northern Ontario on January 9. Health officials criticized the delay, with a leading infectious disease physician saying it was ridiculous to wait until the day after Christmas to close.

Ontario has had more than 2,000 cases per day for seven days in a row. Modeling shows that can more than double in January. Health officials previously said a hard lockdown lasting four to six weeks could significantly stop the spread of COVID-19.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, had already closed restaurants to eat in, but the schools remained open. All high schools in Ontario are now closed for personal learning until January 25. Primary schools are closed until January 11.

After COVID-19 cases spiked in the spring, Canada flattened the epidemic curve with a lockdown. But as in other countries, COVID fatigue set in, restrictions were relaxed and a second wave was unleashed.

“We flattened the curve before and we can do it again,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott.

Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, said Ontario is in a very challenging and precarious situation.

“Everywhere people congregate there are outbreaks,” said Yaffe.

Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford said the delay until Dec. 26 will allow businesses outside of current lockdown zones to prepare for it. He said it gives restaurants the opportunity to sell some of their inventory.

“I don’t include anything,” Ford said. “I have to be honest with these companies that have a huge inventory.”

Dr. Andrew Morris, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Toronto and medical director of the Sinai-University Health Network’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, said Ford is prioritizing the economy over health through procrastination.

“Ridiculous. Costs of lives. For what ?!” said Morris.

The Ontario Hospital Association said in a statement it was “surprised and disappointed” that the lockdown will not take place in five days.

“People in this province need clear communication about public health, and the December 26 implementation date sends a confusing message about what to do and what not to do at this crucial moment. We are already hearing from hospital and health system leaders who are shocked that the restrictions will not take effect until after Christmas, ”the association’s president, Anthony Dale, said in the statement.

Dr. Naveed Mohammad, CEO of the William Osler Health System that operates hospitals in the suburbs of Toronto, said people should pretend the lockdown has already started.

“Until the people of this province realize what every trip out of their homes endangers for themselves and their loved ones, we won’t get through this,” he said, pointing out that hospitals in Brampton, Ontario, are struggling with capacity. “Please stay at home from today.”