Ford Says “Stay Tuned,” Potential Lockdown Announcement Expected Thursday

Premier Doug Ford has confirmed he will make an announcement on Thursday about a potential lockdown, telling the public to “stay tuned.”

Ford made the statement during a press conference on Wednesday when asked why Ontario was reducing restrictions while COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

NEW: Premier Ford confirms he will make an announcement tomorrow re potential lockdown. He was asked why ON is reducing restrictions when cases are rising, "stay tuned" he answered.

— Cynthia Mulligan (@CityCynthia) March 31, 2021

Wednesday marked the seventh day in a row daily reported case numbers were above 2,000 in the province.
Minister of Health Christine Elliott said the province will discuss internally just how severe of a lockdown they’re willing to implement.
She also noted everything would be on the table on the table — including another full provincial lockdown.
“As we’ve indicated, everything is on the table. I expect we will have a broad discussion.”
When asked why the province was delaying a lockdown announcement until Thursday, Elliott said there’s still talks to be had and that takes time.

“This is something that we take very seriously that we need to hear from, of course, Dr. Williams and the public health measures table,” she explained.
“We are also going to be having some modelling that’s going to be presented to us as well.”
This all comes one day after Ford warned Ontarians not to make plans for Easter, saying he is “extremely concerned” about rising COVID-19 numbers.
“Everything is on the table right now, so folks, be prepared, I am asking you don’t make plans for Easter,” the premier said on Tuesday.
“I won’t hesitate to lock things down if we have to. I did it before, I’ll do it again.”