Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a “good announcement” is coming this week for restaurants and gyms in the province.
Earlier this month, the province imposed additional restrictions on businesses amid a rise in Omicron cases. The government said the measures would be in place until at least January 26 – next Wednesday.
This included additional capacity constraints, a ban on indoor dining and the closure of various types of facilities, including gyms, theaters and museums.
Ford has been signaling for a few days now that the province may announce a easing of restrictions sometime this week.
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“This is going to be a positive announcement we make this week and I look forward to it,” the prime minister said on Wednesday.
“Nobody likes these closures more than I do. I actually despise them, but when I say that, health is a priority and I follow the guidelines of the chief media officer, but we look forward to having a good announcement for restaurants and gyms and other people who are closed. ”
Ford said although his government has worked to provide support to affected businesses, he knows it is not the same as when they are open.
“Let’s open the businesses and hopefully the customers will come back and feel confident that they can go to their favorite restaurant or favorite gym or banquet hall – that’s the most important thing,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Restaurants Canada has called on the Ontario government to provide “immediate guidance” on the possible easing of restrictions next week.
“Restaurants can not simply open their doors with a moment’s notice,” Restaurants Canada’s President and CEO Todd Barclay said in a statement.
In a COVID update on Wednesday, Health Minister Christine Elliott said the province was starting to see “glitter of hope” in its fight against Omicron.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said the rate of hospitalizations and cases in the intensive care unit is increasing at a slower pace.
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He also thanked the Ontarians for being vaccinated and making sacrifices.
“Together we made an impact and we made a difference,” Moore said.
“And together, these efforts will chart our path forward to a safe and gradual reopening. We must remain careful. We must remain disciplined and never underestimate this virus while we want to take the small steps forward. ”
– With files from The Canadian Press
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