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People with and without masks walk past the Hudson’s Bay flagship store on Queen Street in Toronto
George russell
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has ordered a lockdown on metropolitan Toronto from Monday after a record number of new coronavirus cases were reported over the weekend.
The province recorded 1,534 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, following a record 1,588 on Saturday, prompting officials to impose a lockdown on Canada’s largest city.
Of that total, about 460 have been reported in Toronto, 490 in Peel Region and 130 in York Region, according to provincial Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
Starting Monday, all closed outdoor restaurants and patios will be closed in Toronto as well as in the nearby town of Peel.
“Take-out, drive-thru and delivery options remain available and are strongly encouraged to support local businesses,” the city said in a statement.
Toronto Mayor John Tory has urged city residents to follow health guidelines as the city has closed many stores. Shopping centers have been closed except for essential businesses. Large retailers with a grocery section can stay open at 50% capacity.
All barber shops, barber shops, nail and tattoo parlors, indoor gyms and recreation programs are suspended.
“Residents are urged to stay at home except for essential trips for groceries, health care, childcare, school and work,” the City of Toronto statement read.
Canada has reported more than 326,000 cases since the start of the pandemic, with more than 11,400 deaths. Of that number, Ontario had approximately 104,000 cases and 3,500 deaths.
Health officials have warned of an increased threat to the country as the holidays approach.
“Community transmission and outbreaks are contributing to the spread of Covid-19 in Canada, including the spread to high-risk populations and settings,” Theresa Tam, the country’s chief medical officer, said Sunday.
“Our best protection, now and during the holiday season, is to limit errands and outings to the essentials, to maintain in-person social activities in our current home, and to strictly and systematically maintain public health practices,” she added.
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