Ford called the shutdown a temporary and one-time measure at a news conference, where he implored residents to stay at home, save for essential needs such as groceries and health emergencies.
“Unfortunately, despite the limitations, we are seeing a growing number of people traveling between regions within Ontario,” said Ford. “Covid is rapidly spreading from areas with many outbreaks to areas with fewer cases.”
The shutdown will remain in effect for 14 days in northern Ontario and 28 days in southern Ontario, he said. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province with a population of 14 million people, about 38% of Canada’s 38 million residents.
Officials will re-evaluate the situation and determine whether the restrictions should be extended before the initial designated shutdown expires, Ford said.
Covid-19-related hospital admissions are up 74% in the last four weeks, and IC admissions for virus-related complications have more than doubled over that time, the release said.
The health system is on the verge of canceling elective surgeries due to capacity constraints with thousands of surgeries already overdue, Ford told reporters.
The Prime Minister called on the federal government of Canada to close its borders to limit the spread of travelers.
“That’s why we’ve been constantly … constantly asking the federal government to secure our borders – 63,000 people go unchecked every week through Pearson International Airport alone,” Ford said. “And I can tell you that if they don’t want to take any further action, we should at least test air travelers when they arrive at the airport. This is critical and if they don’t, we’ll do it ourselves if necessary.”
Organized public events and social gatherings larger than one household are limited.
Personal services at supermarkets and pharmacies will be 50% effective, but non-essential retail environments are limited to roadside pick-up and delivery.
Restaurants will be reduced to just takeout and delivery orders, and eating indoors and out is prohibited during the closure.
“I want to be clear, schools are not part of Covid’s problem in our communities. But an overabundance of caution will extend school closures over the winter break,” Ford said.
Students from Kindergarten through eighth grade will resume personal instruction on January 11. High school students will resume distance learning on Jan. 11 and return to classroom instructions on Jan. 25, the press release said.