Ford Doesn’t Want To Shut Down Restaurants Because It Would “Destroy Lives”

Despite increasing pressure from Toronto's top doctor, Premier Doug Ford is reluctant to close bars and restaurants in Ontario.

When asked if he would consider shutting them down to curb COVID-19 transmission, Ford said he was not ready to destroy the livelihoods of small business owners.

Not until there is overwhelming evidence that proves it's necessary. 

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“

I want to exhaust every single avenue before I ruin someone’s life.

Premier Doug Ford

The premier said that he requires hard data that proves the majority of restaurants and bars are increasing transmission, and not just a few "bad actors."

"Because we have some bad actors, I’m going to demolish people’s lives? I’m not prepared to do that right now," he said, stressing that the vast majority are taking the protocols seriously.

"I can’t make a willy-nilly decision and just say I’m closing everything down and ruin thousands of lives."

However, he does note that the province will enforce the closures "in ten seconds" if deemed necessary.

Ford implemented new legislation last week limiting restaurant patrons to 100 people, and just 75 in Toronto, as well as limiting tables to six people only.