Ford set to make announcement with top health officials this afternoon

Premier Doug Ford is set to make an announcement with top health officials on Wednesday afternoon from Queen’s Park.

Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The province is currently in the midst of a second COVID-19 wave, which places Toronto and Peel Region in another lockdown.

On Monday, Toronto and Peel Region began their second lockdown, which will last for at least 28 days.

“Lockdown” is the highest level in the government’s COVID-19 response framework and brings new public health measures to the regions.

Some of the new restrictions include reducing retail stores to only offer curbside pick-up or delivery; restaurants can only be open for pick-up, drive-through, and delivery. No indoor gatherings will be allowed except with members of the same household, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.

Grocery stores, liquor stores, and pharmacies remain open with limited capacity.

To date, Ontario has seen 106,510 COVID-19 cases and 3,519 deaths.

The press briefing will take place at 1 pm.