Here’s when Ontario’s COVID-19 lockdown could be lifted

Jan 19 2021, 2:51 pm

Ontario’s top doctor said COVID-19 cases in the province must fall below 1,000 in order for lockdown measures to be lifted.

On Monday during a press conference, the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, said once cases are below 1,000, restrictions can be lifted with some optimism being expressed with recent percent positivity rates declining.

Just over 2,500 cases were reported on Monday, which Williams acknowledged could be due to a lower amount of testing over the weekend. However, he pointed out that when looking at cases over the holidays and New Years’, percent positivity rates increased, whereas now they are decreasing.

“Ontarians are making headway,” he added. While it’s a “few numbers,” Williams said it’s a “positive sign you’re doing a good job,” and for those who aren’t following the rules, it’s time to “focus and get back to the task of doing that.”

Cases have been fluctuating around 3,000 recently, with Monday’s 2,578, Sunday’s 3,442, Saturday’s 3,056, Friday’s 2,998, Thursday’s 3,326, Wednesday’s 2,961, and Tuesday’s 2,903.

A second State of Emergency was announced by Premier Doug Ford, who also issued a Stay at Home order, effective January 14.

This means everyone must stay home and only go out for essential trips, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing healthcare services, exercising or essential work.

To date, the province has seen 240,364 COVID-19 cases and 5,433 deaths.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT