York Mayors Beg For More Time To Stay Open During The Holidays Amid Lockdown Threat

Mayors in Ontario's York Region are speaking out on behalf of their local businesses ahead of a possible lockdown.

Last week, Doug Ford's government decided to keep York in the red zone, despite the region's positivity rate being higher than Toronto's when Toronto went into lockdown.

However, local mayors have expressed opposition to a full-blown lockdown, such as advocating for a "measured approach" instead.

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If it’s [a lockdown is] being considered, I say take a measured approach and the measures would be big box, big shopping centres move to curbside. Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham

Municipal leaders stress the need for businesses to stay open during the holiday season.

“Businesses have stocked up inventory. This week is where they make or break their year,” John Taylor, Mayor of Newmarket, said during a council meeting.

“I think our business community, and not just restaurants, would be incredibly grateful if they got seven more days of being open before Christmas,” he continued.

However, COVID-19 case numbers are telling a different story in the region.

"Our seven-day metrics don’t look good,” admitted York's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karim Kurji to the council.

Premier Doug Ford is expected to make an announcement at 3 p.m. on Friday about potentially moving more public health regions into new zones.