Mayor Crombie supports province’s decision to move Mississauga into “red zone”
Published November 6, 2020 at 10:48 pm
Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie said this afternoon she supports the province’s decision to move Peel Region into the “Red-Control” category, but expressed sympathy to small business owners who would have to deal with more restrictions than they were expecting.
“I know that many restaurants, bars and gyms in Mississauga were preparing for larger reopenings. To all our small business owners: I am truly sorry that you are not able to open to the degree you had anticipated,” said Crombie in a statement on Friday afternoon.
“The reality, however, is that the picture in Peel has changed over the past few days, particularly in Brampton.”
The mayor pointed to Brampton’s William Osler Health, which she says has become overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and expressed concern that Mississauga hospitals would soon be as well.
She also says the region is continuing to see a significant amount of community spread, with case numbers climbing over the last three weeks — but believes the response needs to be more than just putting limitations on restaurants, bars and gyms.
“We have known for quite some time that they are not the significant drivers of this virus in Peel Region. What we are seeing are high rates of transmission in industrial settings as well as in both large and small private gatherings,” Crombie said.
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“Simply put: we are the ones moving this virus. The only way we get a handle on this is by changing our own behavior.”
The mayor urged residents to limit their close, in-person contact to only their immediate household and essential supports, including those planning to eat out and those who plan to celebrate Diwali next week.
Crombie says they will continue to monitor the situation closely.
STATEMENT: Mayor Crombie Responds to Province’s Decision on Peel Region being Placed in Control Category Under Provincial COVID-19 Framework pic.twitter.com/QqPXmKdmOY
— Bonnie Crombie (@BonnieCrombie) November 6, 2020
Premier Doug Ford announced on Friday that the Region of Peel (Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon) will move into the “Red-Control” category on Saturday, November 7.
Under the red-alert category, Peel restaurants and gyms can begin serving customers indoors, but with strict limits. Restaurants will not be permitted to allow more than 10 people inside their dining rooms. Outdoor dining, takeout, drive-through and delivery will still be permitted under the new rules.
As far as gyms and fitness studios go, fitness classes are not permitted and facilities can only have a maximum of 10 patrons. Up to 25 people can participate in outdoor fitness classes.
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