Ford urges Ontarians not to gather for Easter as more restrictions could come this week

By Charlie Senack

More restrictions could be put in place if COVID-19 cases don’t start to decrease in coming days, warned Premier Doug Ford during a press conference on March 30.

Ford said Ontarians should be prepared for more lockdown measures, saying all options are on the table. He did not clarify what measures could be enhanced or what regions would be included.

“Im extremely concerned with the situation that we’re seeing and the numbers going up,” said Ford. “Everything is on the table right now, so folks, be prepared. I’m asking you don’t make plans for Easter. I won’t hesitate to lock things down if we have to. I did it before I’ll do it again.”

On Tuesday, March 30, Ontario reported 2,336 new cases of COVID-19, 144 of which are in Ottawa, according to the provinces health unit. If cases in the city continue to climb upwards, Ottawa could enter the grey zone which would prohibit indoor dining and reduce capacity in stores among other restrictions.

Cases of the novel coronavirus have been on the rise in Ottawa. For the sixth day in a row, double digit numbers have been reported in the city, a new record since the pandemic began. The rate of COVID-19 infections are also climbing in Ottawa schools with 186 confirmed and active cases among students and staff in all four school boards.

A day after saying the spring break could be postponed or cancelled again, today Education Minister Stephen Lecce said it will go ahead as planned for the week of April 12-16. Enhanced safety measures are expected to be in place in schools when classes resume on April 19 following the break. But while government officials are talking about a return to class following the break, some school boards are preparing students for the possibility of remote learning. Ottawa’s French Catholic School Board is advising their students to take home their equipment on Thursday, in case they don’t return to in-person learning.