Don't leave Canada, cancel events with over 250 people: Ontario's top doc

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Brian Lilley

Published Mar 13, 2020 • 1 minute read

Dr. David Williams, the Chief Medical Officer of Ontario, updates reporters on the coronavirus at Queen's Park on February 3, 2020. ANTONELLA ARTUSO/Toronto Sun

Ontario’s top doctor is recommending you cancel your vacation and don’t go out in large groups.

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The day after Dr. David Williams, the province’s chief medical officer, recommended that schools be closed for two weeks following March Break, a memo sent throughout the provincial health system calls for even more drastic measures.

“As of today, based on my assessment of the clinical risk of COVID-19, I am strongly advising the people of Ontario to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada,” Williams says in a memo.

“In light of our recent positive cases in young children, if you decide to travel outside of Canada with children, they will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon return.”

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The memo also calls on all colleges and universities to offer virtual options and for long-term care facilities and child-care centres to engage in active monitoring for symptoms. As for hitting up a concert or a club, Williams advises against it.

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“I am also recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings of over 250 people. Organizers who have questions about smaller gatherings are encouraged to contact their local public health unit,” he says.

The province is ramping up new ways to deal with the spread of COVID-19, from closing schools to cancelling events but also calling on individuals to do their part.

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The memo states again that people need to wash their hands, avoid touching their faces, avoid contact with sick people, and stay home if they are ill.

The province is also opening new assessment centres in order to keep people who think they need testing out of hospitals and emergency rooms.

blilley@postmedia.com

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