Dr. Roasana Salvaterra says 95 cases total in the area. It's been 31 days since a new case reported in Peterborough. 20,500 residents have been tested to date. Almost 1,000 tests since last week.

No outbreaks in any retirement residences nine weeks now.

On Aug. 1, masks will be mandatory. Dr. Salvaterra: "The announcement generated a long list of questions." So she will answer those and try to clear up confusion today.

Why are we waiting until Aug. 1? Her wording says masks must be worn before or by Aug 1. Many commercial establishments are already taking up the order, Dr. Salvaterra says.

Why do this 4 months into the pandemic? All along physical distancing has been "the foundation of our public health measures," says Dr. S., saying she was concerned the wearing of masks would offer "a false sense of reassurance."

"There have been some worrisome examples of resurgence, internationally," she says, as well as some surges in Ontario - and she's heard from local business owners concerned about ppl coming here from elsewhere because we're in Stage 3 while their cities are not.

70% of businesses are supportive of mandatory masking: "So I believe we are ready" for a masking requirement, says Salvaterra.