Ford Says You Should Definitely Be Covering Your Face With Something In Downtown Toronto
As the province slowly starts to lift the COVID-19 lockdown in Ontario, some retail businesses are starting to open their doors for curbside pickup. However, in a press conference on Wednesday, Ford stated that residents should still be cautious when venturing out into busy areas. In fact, the premier even stated that if you are heading into the downtown core of Toronto you should be covering your face.
When asked by reporters about the potential dangers of overcrowding in the downtown core as stores start to reopen, Ford reminded city residents how important it is to continue to take proper safety precautions.
"It's a tale of two cities with Toronto," Ford explained while noting the difference between the city's rural and downtown areas.
When the premier was then questioned if he believes that all Torontonians should be required to wear masks while travelling through populated areas, he admitted that you should be covering your face with something, even if it's just a scarf.
"Even a scarf would be better than wearing nothing at all, so the recommendation is to be safe, wear a scarf or if you can get a PPE surgical mask than I would definitely advise doing that, especially in a crowded area like downtown Toronto or Dundas-Square," Ford said.
The government also stressed that it would continue to make the health and safety of its residents its top priority while moving to reopen the province.
"The health and safety of every Ontarian will always be our top priority as we continue planning for the next phase of our fight against COVID-19," said Minister Elliott.
However, Ford does state that whether or not it will be required for Torontoains to wear masks as things start to reopen will be left up to Mayor John Tory.
"Mayor Tory is going to be putting in the proper protocols to make sure that number one, is the health and well being of the citizens of Toronto," Ford stated.
Yet, some stores throughout the downtown core have already started to take matters into their own hands when it comes to PPE.
Earlier this month, popular grocery chain Longo's announced that all shoppers in the GTA would be required to wear masks before entering their stores.