Ontario is making COVID-19 testing available by appointment only, making masks mandatory in public indoor spaces across the province, and tightening restrictions on businesses in virus hotspots.
The latest measures come as the government has faced growing criticism over crippling lines at assessment centres, delays in getting tests results and a surge in cases.
The province reported a record 732 cases today and a ballooning backlog of 90,513 tests.
For weeks, the majority of new cases have been reported in Toronto, neighbouring Peel Region and Ottawa.

The North Bay area is not considered a hot spot.

Premier Doug Ford says the province is putting a “pause” on 10-person social bubbles and is advising people to have close contact only with those in their own households.
Ford says that starting Saturday, restaurants, bars, gyms and banquet halls in the hot spots will face tighter restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
He says no more than 100 customers will be allowed in restaurants and no more than six people will be permitted at a table.

(story written by Canadian Press) )

(photo courtesy Canadian Press)

Filed under: covid-19, premier-doug-ford