Ontario’s lockdown: ‘It does require sacrifices’ December 23, 2020 There’s no question the strain of the pandemic is hitting every area of Canadians’ lives as the year draws to a close. With lockdowns spreading in reaction to the rising number of COVID-19 infections, schools, hospitals and churches are all trying to figure out ways to cope. From the frontlines of the emergency room in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ont., Dr. Greg Rutledge reports that the strain is taking a toll among professionals. “I’ve seen it (strain) in the emergency department. I’ve seen it with the nursing colleagues who are going out to support the long-term care homes that are in crisis and outbreaks.... the people feel it,” Rutledge said.