Article content TORONTO — An Ontario-wide “shutdown” will be put in place to combat an “alarming” surge in COVID-19 infections, Premier Doug Ford said Thursday as intensive care admissions related to the virus surpassed those of the second wave of the pandemic. Citing the need for drastic action, Ford said the change will take effect Saturday and continue for at least four weeks. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser. Past restrictions have reduced COVID numbers: Brant mayor Back to video The government is asking Ontarians to limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication and other essential services, but stopped short of imposing a stay-at-home order like it did in January.