TORONTO — Later today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is expected to announce that all of Ontario will be under lockdown as of Christmas Eve. While the province-wide lockdown has not been formally announced by the provincial government, Ford indicated on Friday that a statement regarding additional COVID-19 measures will be made today. He also revealed lockdown orders in Toronto and Peel Region that were set to expire this week are being extended.
Sources say the lockdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 24 and will last for 28 days in the southern portions of the province (south of Sudbury) and 14 days in the northern parts.
This lockdown will look similar to the province-wide shutdown back in March, with only essential businesses being allowed to remain open. Current lockdown rules prohibit the opening of indoor dining, hair salons and gyms, and only allow for in-person shopping at essential and big box stores. Those rules are already in effect in the Greater Toronto Area. However, under the new lockdown, the rules could become even stricter.
