Mississauga mayor says they don't need more restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19

Oct 8 2020, 5:52 pm

Although Toronto is seeing record-breaking COVID-19 cases, Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie says that no further restrictions are warranted in her city.

“Our numbers here in Peel have remained relatively stable over the past month,” she said during a press conference Thursday morning. “But we know that this can change at any moment. It just takes one lapse to push us into a second wave.”

According to Crombie, the entire region of Peel is averaging 60-100 new cases of COVID-19 per day, with an average of 46 in Mississauga. Toronto, on the other hand, saw 265 cases on Thursday alone.

She says that Peel is not seeing transmissions linked to bars, restaurants, and retail stores the way that Toronto has. Current hot spots are due to small get togethers with friends and family members, weddings and events at banquet halls, and gatherings at places of worship, according to the Mississauga mayor.

Last week Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s top doctor, asked the province to ban indoor dining and fitness classes, and asked that people only venture outside for essential trips, such as work, education, fitness, healthcare appointments, and to purchase food.

Premier Doug Ford said he would need “hardcore evidence” before shutting down restaurants.

“I don’t think that any further restrictions or business closures are warranted or needed here in Mississauga at this time,” said Crombie, noting that their challenges are different from those of Toronto and Ottawa.

The mayor believes Ontario’s current measures that limit the size of public gatherings and reduce the indoor capacity at bars, restaurants, and event facilities, address the region’s current concerns.

“It is important that our actions and our responses reflect our distinct realities,” said Crombie. “We continue to keep an eye on what is happening in neighbouring cities like Toronto.”

Given that familial events are a culprit for the region’s rising COVID-19 cases, Crombie urged Mississauga residents to remain vigilant going into the Thanksgiving weekend and to keep social gatherings at a minimum.

“It will take all of us to make personal sacrifices to reduce the spread, she said. “A small investment now will have big returns in the future.”

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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