Ontario back in lockdown, as variant case numbers rise

Ontario back in lockdown, as variant case numbers rise

by The Standard | Podcast April 8, 2021 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/New-Ont-Lockdown-Apr-8th-2021.wav

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: The Ontario provincial government has imposed another province-wide COVID-19 lockdown.

The lockdown went into effect on Saturday, April 3rd, and is expected to last for about a month.

“Right now, we are into a third wave of COVID-19. The variants of concern are spreading rapidly. This is a new pandemic. We are now fighting a new enemy. The new variants are far more dangerous than before. They spread faster, and they do more harm than the virus we were fighting last year,” Premier Doug Ford explained, during a press conference, on Thursday, April 1st.

This lockdown prohibits: indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars; anyone holding indoor public events or gatherings; the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports; and personal care services. Supermarkets, grocery stores and convenience stores will be limited to 50 percent shopper capacity. All other retail stores will be limited to 25 percent capacity.

Weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 15 percent occupancy per room indoors.