Ford to announce new COVID-19 measures, possible lockdowns this afternoon

Premier Doug Ford is set to announce new COVID-19 measures and possible lockdowns this afternoon with top officials.

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

The premier first hinted that new measures would be announced on Friday earlier this week.

On Thursday, Ford said, “We’ll do whatever it takes. Tomorrow we’ll release further public health restrictions, and as it’s looking, these measures will have to be tough in our hardest-hit areas.”

The premier added that there are “concerning trends” with hospital and ICU capacity, and the virus continues to pose a prominent risk at long-term care homes.

“There’s been difficult but some necessary decisions to make. The people of Ontario need to listen, especially as the holidays are approaching.”

The new measures will be for hotspots Toronto, Peel, and York Region, where the majority of cases in Ontario come from.

The press briefing will take place at 3:30 pm from Queen’s Park.