Reports say the Province is expected to put a COVID-19 “emergency brake” in place across Ontario starting on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and running for 28 days.
In a media advisory issued just after 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 1, 2021, Provincial officials say Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, Co-Chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, to make an announcement.
Remarks are set to begin at 1:30 p.m.
The virtual press conference can be viewed on the Premier’s YouTube channel, here.
Provincial officials say Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, Co-Chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will also hold a media briefing to present updated modelling on the province’s ongoing response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
This briefing is set to take place at 10 a.m.
Several media reports indicate the anticipated restrictions will be similar to the ‘Grey-Lockdown’ tier of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.
Reports say grocery stores would be limited to 50% capacity, non-essential retail stores could open at 25% capacity, indoor dining at restaurants would not be allowed, personal care services, like hair salons, and indoor fitness activities would be prohibited as well.
Religious services would be allowed with capacity limits in place, construction projects would continue, all according to multiple media reports.
Both the Lambton-Kent District School Board and the St. Clair Catholic District School board are putting preparations in place in case there are any changes by the Province to in-person learning across Ontario. Details, here.
Premier Ford told reporters on Wednesday he is “extremely concerned” about the rising ICU admissions across the Province, along with the rising daily COVID-19 case counts.
Watch for more on this story.
