QUEEN's PARK — Health Minister Christine Elliott says Ontario is taking a month-long pause in further reopenings because of a recent upward trend in COVID-19 cases.
The province reported 190 new cases on Monday, the biggest increase since July 24. An additional 185 new cases were reported Tuesday.
"The latest trends in numbers have raised some concern, especially as we begin to reopen schools and post-secondary institutions," Elliott said.
She said the decision not to lift any more restrictions for at least four weeks is based on the advice of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams and the province's public health measures table.
The announcement will be a disappointment for businesses, facilities and organizations that have been waiting for the okay for a further relaxation of restrictions, but Elliott said "We did not make this decision lightly."
She said Ontario's business leaders "have shown incredible ingenuity and innovation in keeping our public safe. However, we do need to ensure that the progress we've made is not lost."
The minister said a pause will help the province avoid returning to broad-scale closures and shutdowns.
Ontario's reopening remains at Stage 3, which among other things restricts gatherings and mandates health measures such as physical distancing in restaurants.
Most of the recent new COVID-19 cases occurred in the Greater Toronto and Ottawa areas.
Elliott appealed to Ontarians to follow public health guidelines by practising physical distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands regularly, and remaining within small social circles.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the need to avoid large social gatherings, which were identified by officials as partly responsible for the upsurge in cases over the past two days.
"It's frustrating because it affects the rest of the province," Ford said,
The premier encouraged citizens to notify police if they see big parties in their neighbourhood, saying "We have to start putting the hammer down on people that don’t want to follow protocols and guidelines because it’s going to affect every single one of us.”
Tuesday's announcement was made coincidental with the reopening of schools across Ontario.
