Premier applies 'emergency brake', plunges province into lockdown

ONTARIO — It was no April Fools joke, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford imposed a province-wide emergency brake on April 1. The emergency brake took effect Saturday morning, April 3. It will be in place for at least four weeks.

“We are facing a serious situation and drastic measures are required to contain the rapid spread of the virus, especially the new variants of concern,” said Ford. “I know pulling the emergency brake will be difficult on many people across the province, but we must try and prevent more people from getting infected and overwhelming our hospitals.”

Ontario’s latest modelling was showing that additional measures needed to be taken, according to Ford, who said that ICU admissions were at an all-time high and past the peak of the December-January second wave.

The increased numbers are being driven by COVID-19 variants, which appear small to be taking off and spreading like wildfire across the province.

The Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent Health Units, both in Red Level prior to the small emergency break, have experienced an increase in cases over the past week and continue to deal with variants of concern popping up in certain areas of the region.

The new restrictions closed indoor and patio dining for restaurants, who are now only allowed takeout and delivery options.

Essential grocery stores and pharmacies are limited to 50 per cent capacity, while all other retail is limited to 25 per cent capacity.

Gyms and salons must close for the four week period, as well as day camps.

Weddings, funerals and religious services will be limited to 15 per cent capacity per room indoors and to the number of individuals who can safely maintain physical distance outdoors.

When it comes to our own homes, the Premier urged families to forego Easter celebrations and dine with those in their own household, setting the limits for social gatherings at five people of your own household, outdoors.

Meanwhile, the province is making gradual steps in getting everyone vaccinated, as they lowered the age to anyone 60 and over, now being able to book appointments at the mass vaccination centres. T

hey expect to move down to the 55-plus group soon, with other age groups to follow in five-year increments.

It is expected that every adult in Ontario will have the opportunity for at least one does of vaccine by Canada Day, provided vaccine deliveries stay on target.