Ontario is putting a pause on social circles, asking people across the entire province to now only come in close contact with those inside their household.
COVID-19 cases are at a record 732 new cases.
Premier Doug Ford says masks are now mandatory in all public indoor settings including businesses, facilities and workplaces where six-foot social distancing is impossible. The rule applies across Ontario.
Ford says they are also transitioning to appointment-based testing at all assessment centres starting on Tuesday.
“As the weather begins to worsen, we can’t have people waiting in the cold, waiting in the rain and snow to get a test.”
The move comes as the backlog of samples hits more than 90,000.
Ontario has been processing around 40,000 tests a day with the goal of reaching 50,000 in mid-October.
Ford stresses if you don’t have any symptoms don’t visit an assessment centre.
Group and business restrictions are also being introduced in the Ottawa, Peel and Toronto regions.
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs will be limited to 100 people, group limits of 10 people, and six people per table in banquet halls with a maximum 50 people.
