BREAKING: Ford announces mandatory mask laws, new limits on restaurants and bars

Premier Doug Ford announced that masks would be made mandatory across the province. This will include wearing a mask while shopping, taking public transit, and at work if you are unable to keep two metres from others.

Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel-area restaurants, bars, and nightclubs will have limits set at 100 people, with groups set to 10 people. Limits will be set at six people per table. Contact tracing information must also be given upon entry.

Banquet halls will be set at a maximum of 50 people, with the same six person limit per table.

"This is serious, we have to offer our full support in every power possible to help out health care sector fight this second wave," said Premier Ford.

Ford also announced changes to assessment centres. Starting Tuesday, October 6, all assessment centres will move to appointment-based testing only, in order for centres to "make the necessary adjustments" and to "winterize" their operations.

Beginning Sunday, October 4, walk ins will no longer be accepted.

"The vast majority of the assessment centres in Ontario that already offer testing by appointments will continue to operate as usual," said Ford.

Ford said those who have already made an appointment will "proceed as scheduled."

Up to 80 pharmacy locations will also offer tests by appointment, with more to offer tests in coming weeks.

"These changes are absolutely necessary," said Ford. "Being able to make an appointment gives certainty. It makes sure folks wont have to wait outside for hours," said Ford.

Ford said that it may take "a few days to schedule your test at the start." The latest technologies and methods will be implemented to process as many tests as possible, said Ford.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.