Doug Ford tells young people to think of loved ones before going to parties

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has a message for young people who may not be following public health rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is to think of loved ones before going out to party or meeting large groups of people.

On Monday, Ford said he was “shocked” to see the numbers of individuals under the age of 39 who have been contracting the virus in recent weeks.

“I have a message to our young people. You have such a future ahead of yourselves and may feel you’re invincible or feel you can get through it, but it’s not just about yourself,” Ford said.

“Yes you’re healthy, you’re young  but it’s about your parents and your other family members and your grandparents. That’s who you’ve got to think about when you go out to a party.”

The premier emphasized that “parties aren’t worth it” and that for those who think they’re healthy and young, and therefore can get over the virus, the same story may not be for loved ones.

• See also:
  • More Ontario regions entering Stage 3 this week
  • Everything that can reopen in Ontario during Stage 3

Health Minister Christine Elliot added that the younger generation is experiencing “COVID fatigue” after months of not socializing.

“Please remember as we open up the economy it’s more important than ever before to follow public health rules,” Elliot said.

She noted that even though 31 regions will be in Stage 3 of reopening which allows indoor groups of 50 and outdoor gatherings of 100, people must still physical distance, wear face masks and be vigilant with hand washing.

Elliot also said to “please maintain one social circle to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.”

“I don’t want a large second wave, I don’t want a second wave at all but we must all do our part.”

At Monday’s press conference, Ford announced that seven more regions can enter Stage of reopening on July 24, leaving out Toronto, Peel, and Windsor-Essex.