TORONTO — 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.
Premier Doug Ford says that starting Saturday, restaurants, bars, gyms and banquet halls in those areas 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.
The government met earlier Friday to consider imposing a colour-coded virus alert system but Ford says it opted against it, choosing to impose targeted restrictions in certain areas only.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2020.
The Canadian Press
