Premier Doug Ford began his daily media briefing by offering condolences to the families of victims of the Nova Scotia mass killing. Ford said it was an unimaginable tragedy in the midst of a pandemic, but he says the strength and resolve of the people of Nova Scotia means they will grieve but also band together.
Ford says the new data modelling for the spread of COVID-19 in the province shows that we are at the peak of the spread, but warned that we must continue to be vigilant, “Today we saw modelling that shows some light at the end of the tunnel. The numbers show what we are doing is working. We can’t let our guard down now. This virus presents a clear danger.”
Ford also said he has tasked his Jobs and Recovery Committee to develop a framework for the slow, safe and measured opening of the Ontario economy. He said there must be clear benchmarks that will have to be met before any public health restrictions are lifted. Ford says before that happens the health and safety of every Ontarian must be the priority. He says it is premature to suggest what industries and sectors will be re-opened first, “it is going to be a trickle, a little bit at a time.” He added there will be more to come in the next few days.
Ford says he knows people are getting “antsy” to get back to work and school but it will take time and the government won’t rush the decisions. He added, “we will get back to our normal lives.” H refused to put a date on when we may see restrictions ease.
