Canada's largest city Toronto moves back into lockdown

Canada's largest city, Toronto is moving back into lockdown after a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country. The city will close most non-essential businesses and services, beginning Monday.

 

There are currently about 5,000 new cases of coronavirus a day across the country. The country's chief public health official, Dr Theresa Tam, noted that the second wave has hit harder, and has the potential to get much worse, as Canadians head inside during colder temperatures. Hospitalisations and deaths are also increasing.

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday urged people of the country to reduce their interactions.

 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford yesterday announced sweeping new restrictions in the COVID-19



hot spots of Toronto and Peel. In-person shopping will be limited to non-essential services, and restaurants will only be allowed to serve for pick-up or take-out. Gyms and salons will be closed, and indoor meetings will be prohibited. Indoor gatherings are forbidden, and outdoor gatherings, funerals and weddings are limited to 10 people.

 

British Columbia has also announced new restrictions on social gatherings. Quebec had closed restaurants and gyms in September. In Manitoba, where the positive test rate is four times the national average, retail stores are forbidden from selling non-essential items. So while pharmacies are allowed to be open, they are not allowed to sell perfume, books or toys.