John Tory Wants To Shut Down Bars & Restaurants Early After Spike In COVID-19 Cases
COVID-19 cases are continuing to grow in the 6ix. On Wednesday, Mayor John Tory revealed a list of new measures that the city could implement to curb the recent increase in community spread. What to do about highly social areas like Toronto bars and restaurants were some of the first things tackled in the announcement.
On Wednesday, Tory stated that bars and restaurants should have earlier closing times to reduce large late-night crowds.
“As we face this resurgence of COVID-19 in our city and across Canada, I want to be clear with Toronto residents that we are doing everything we can as a city government to save lives, protect public health and keep our economy open,” Tory tweeted out on September 23.
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“Late-night bar and restaurant hours – while we know this could present challenges to an industry that has already faced very difficult circumstances during the pandemic, we have seen other jurisdictions move to earlier closings so as to help decrease transmission,” he added.
Since reopening, bars and eateries have often found themselves struggling to keep up with demand.
Footage of patrons and staff failing to social distance or wear masks has popped up on social media numerous times since establishments were permitted to reopen back in June.
Tory covered a wide variety of topics in his Twitter thread, including what actions the city will take regarding parties, COVID-19 testing, and masking in workplaces.
“We are fully supportive of the province’s action on gathering limits in informal settings, but I believe, based on Dr. Eileen de Villa’s advice, that further action is needed when it comes to weddings and other events at banquet halls and other businesses,” the mayor tweeted.
Ontario recently reduced its gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. However, the new restrictions do not affect restaurants and bars.