Ontario Medical Association wants province to rethink opening bars

 

The group representing Ontario's doctors wants the provincial government to reconsider allowing indoor bars to reopen.

Bars were allowed to start serving customers indoors on Friday in parts of the province that are allowed to enter Stage 3.

Ontario Medical Association president Dr. Samantha Hill says evidence from other jurisdictions shows opening bars carries significant risk of COVID-19 spread.

She says drinking alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes people less likely to physically distance, wear masks and sanitize their hands.

Hill also says indoor locations with decreased ventilation present a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The association notes there have been numerous COVID-19 outbreaks tied to indoor bars throughout the world, including in Montreal.