Province pauses COVID-19 reopening plan

TORONTO – The province is putting a four-week hold on further steps in its COVID-19 reopening plans.

The decision, announced on Sept. 8, was made in response to Ontario’s rising coronavirus case count.

The 190 new cases on Sept. 7 and 185 on Sept. 8 mark the highest number of new cases since July 24.

“We want to keep the community transmission very low so that it won’t get into our schools so our children will be safe,” said health minister Christine Elliott during a Sept. 8 press conference in Toronto.

Among the eased restrictions that would have been included in the next stage – but are now delayed four weeks –  are expanded social circles, increased gathering sizes and expanded crowds at sporting events.