In a Hail Mary attempt to control a third wave of COVID-19, Ontario unveiled its strictest measures yet to restrict the movement of people, setting up checkpoints with neighboring Quebec and Manitoba for the first time in the pandemic.
The government of Premier Doug Ford said it will extend an emergency stay-at-home order to six weeks from four. The province is forcing nonessential construction sites to shut down and closing recreational facilities including golf courses, playgrounds and soccer fields. Essential stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies will have to operate at 25% of usual capacity.
"My friends, we’re losing the battle between the variants and vaccines,” Ford said at a news conference Friday afternoon. "The reality is, there are few options left.” Schools, restaurants, personal care services and many retailers were already closed.