OTTAWA --
Ontario is imposing new restrictions on interprovincial travel, outdoor social gatherings, essential retail and outdoor recreational amenities such as golf courses and playgrounds in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced "urgent actions" targeted at stopping the rapid growth in COVID-19 case rates late Friday afternoon.
"The new restrictions are difficult, but ultimately needed," said Mayor Jim Watson.
The mayor added the city will provide more information about the restrictions after staff receive briefings from Ontario government officials.
"The steep rise in cases and hospitalizations in Ottawa and across Ontario are alarming. We're now in a situation where our hospitals and our medical community are stretched beyond their limits," said Watson Friday evening.