Will Premier Doug Ford announce lockdowns for Ontario’s red control zones on Friday during his 1pm briefing?

No one seems to know for sure, even the premier who said on Thursday he still needed to consult with his cabinet ministers before making the announcement.

A published report says Ford is considering closing gyms and personal care services and limiting the number of shoppers allowed in malls and stores for 28 days starting Monday in Peel and Toronto.

On Thursday, Ford would only hint that new restrictions will be tough.

“We’re seeing concerning trends. Our hospital ICUs are in jeopardy, our long term care homes are at risk,” warned Ford, “We have some difficult but necessary decisions to make.

Earlier in the week, Mayor John Tory said he would like to see shopping malls shut down in Toronto to avoid crowd scenes.

There is pushback on further restrictions in York Region from the chair of York Region along with the region’s medical officer of health. They say restrictions already in place will have the desired effect in reduce COVID-19 transmission, and a lockdown would only put small businesses further in jeopardy.