Doug Ford says it will be ‘twice as difficult’ to reopen Ontario economy after shutdown

Thestar.com
April 20, 2020
Shelly Hagan

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said reopening the economy safely will be “twice as difficult” as the decision to shut it down.

“Once we get the green light, then we move methodically, slowly, and make the transition. But I’m not rushing into this and not opening up the floodgates,” said Ford.

With 568 COVID-19 deaths, according to the province, Ontario has suffered a smaller human toll than its U.S. neighbours, New York and Michigan. But confirmed cases have now passed 10,000 and Toronto remains a particular trouble spot.

“It was so, so difficult, (the) decision to shut down the economy. In my opinion it’s going to be twice as difficult to try to open this up and do it methodically,” Ford said at a news conference in Toronto on Saturday.

Ford said he will be taking the advice of the province’s chief medical officer and decisions on removing economic restrictions will be based on health and science. He said he’s concerned about a second wave of cases that have appeared in cities after they opened up, prompting further shutdowns.

“I can’t put millions of people’s live in jeopardy,” he said.