Toronto’s top doctor recommends moving city back into the grey zone next week of the provincial framework, allowing non-essential retailers to open with 25 percent capacity limits.

“Case counts at present call for a cautious approach that will allow us to reopen and to do so as safely as possible and based on the data in front of us, it is clear that reopening widely such as under the red category of the provincial framework is not advisable at this time,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa.

And Mayor John Tory supports her request.

“The cautious transition is the right way to go all things considered but public health does believe some additional workplace protections against this virus is called for an I support that as well.”

Dr. de Villa is issuing a new order for workplaces experiencing outbreaks to include enhanced protection like increased masking at all times for all workers.

Under the GREY ZONE, restaurants and salons will remain closed in Toronto.

If the Ford government accepts de Villa’s advice and the same grey zone request from Peel’s top doctor, Toronto and Peel will come out of 100 days of lockdown into slightly less restrictions.

A visibly disappointed Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has had a change of heart after looking at rising COVID case counts and now supports the region’s top doctor in requesting a move to the grey zone rather than red.

“You can tell that I’m extremely disappointed that this is the recommendation that Peel will not enter the red zone on March 9th and I know how hard this news is for our small businesses,” said Crombie.

Toronto and Peel’s request to move into the Grey Zone will be considered by Dr. David Williams, who will make his recommendations to cabinet for a final decision announced Friday.