Those two areas in March 2020 experienced significant spikes in COVID-19 cases, not related to St. Patrick’s Day, that overwhelmed hospitals and killed hundreds. On March 17 — the day Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency — Toronto Mayor John Tory tweeted his own pleas for people to enjoy a quiet St. Patrick’s Day at home. Tuite, who acknowledges how hard it is to continue distancing from friends and family, hopes there will be no spike after St. Patrick’s Day. Last year, Loh was planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 16 at a restaurant with friends. They texted him after his recommendation to close bars and restaurants to in-person service.

Source: thestar March 15, 2021 09:56 UTC