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A former doctor at Health Sciences North (HSN) says one way to try to lessen new cases in the city is stopping all travel between northern and southern Ontario.
"In the south numbers are growing greatly, and where they're not so we still have the opportunity to be protected by our remote geography and we must take advantage of it," said Dr. Peter Zalan.
Zalan says the longer we wait, the worse it will be.
"Right now, eight provinces and territories are forcing travel in Canada. Ontario is one of the big exceptions. Because of the speed at which the virus spreads, it's essential to protect those parts of the province that still have a chance of avoiding a huge pandemic," said Zalan.
Recently, Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger asked that no visitors make their way to the area at this time but has not yet stated that the highways will be closing down.
"I've asked that visitors please not come to our community…unless it's absolutely necessary. This is the time we need to be extra vigilant if we are to stop the spread of the virus in our community and that's why only essential travel should take place between communities," said Bigger.
Bigger said he has spoken with members of parliament and the Ontario government who say they are not considering a closure of highways at this time.
"The suggestion is that we close the Trans-Canada Highway and take other actions but it's not clear that I have the authority to do this in this situation. I believe the authority is with the provincial government and we will certainly follow any directions coming from the provincial government that might be related to this," said Bigger.
Bigger said nothing is off the table in terms of precautions due to COVID-19 and is reassessing the situation on a daily basis.
Zalan said Ontario must enforce and not just recommend these travel restrictions in order to protect the north.
