Doug Ford urges Ontario residents not to visit their cottages for May long weekend

Premier Doug Ford has changed his stance on Ontario residents travelling to their cottages for May long weekend after getting in touch with cottage country mayors, according to CP24.

Ford released a statement on Thursday telling visitors to "hold off" on heading to the country as the province continues its battle against the pandemic.

The new position is a different approach than Ford seemed to have on Tuesday when he noted that people would not be banned from going to their cottages for Victoria Day weekend.

In the statement, Ford said, "With the Victoria Day long weekend and cottage season just around the corner, we need to stay vigilant."

"We are still battling a terrible virus, so we are asking seasonal residents travelling to their cottages to practice the same public health measures as usual, including no public gatherings, avoiding nonessential travel as much as possible, and continue to practice social distancing."

He added that residents of cottage country are asking that people hold off on travelling to the areas until the virus is less of a threat.

Concerns have also been brought forward by Mayors and residents about city-dwellers depleting the community's resources and possibly adding more stress to their healthcare systems.

There has still been no legal ban put into place to restrict people from visiting their cottages despite the new recommendations.

"I know Ontarians are eager to enjoy the great outdoors, but there will be plenty of long weekends to come," the statement adds.

"Right now, we need to focus on doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians. We're all in this together and together we will beat COVID-19."