Cases of COVID-19 are once again on the rise in Ontario withmore than 400 new patientsconfirmed over the past two days alone.

While public health professionals remain confident that we can prevent a catastrophic outbreak, the pandemic's long-dreaded "second wave" appears to be upon us (or at least close to it).

This, nearly six weeks after a number of major restrictions were lifted for most of the province underStage 3 of reopening.

In an effort to keep what government officials have called a "concerning" situation under control, the province is officially pressing pause on its economic reopening plan.

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliotannounced on Tuesdaythat no additional restrictions would be lifted for at least four weeks based on the advice of Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.

"Together, we've made remarkable progress in our fight against COVID-19. We have successfully avoided the worst seen in other parts of the world," said Elliott duringthe province's daily pandemic press conferenceon Tuesday.

"You've worked incredibly hard to limit the spread of COVID-19," she continued.

"But, as much as these efforts have made an impact and enabled us as a province to move intoStage 3of reopening, the latest trends in numbers have raised some concern."

Premier Ford, Minister Elliott and Minister Lecce Make an Announcementhttps://t.co/d8w2T28BRC

— Doug Ford (@fordnation)September 8, 2020

The trends are particularly concerning, says Elliot, as the province begins to re-open schools and post-secondary institutions today.

"That is why… we will be taking a pause of 4 weeks — or two, two week cycles of the virus — before considering any further loosening of public health measures or further reopening of businesses, facilities and organizations," she explained. "We did not make this decision lightly."

This means that places and activities the province have deemed "没有t yet safe to reopen" under Stage 3 guidelines will remain closed until at least early October, including saunas, amusement parks, self-service buffet restaurants and private karaoke rooms.

Dancingwill also remain forbiddenfor bar and restaurant patrons andsocial circleswill remain capped at 10 for the time being.

Elliott further said that the province won't be increasing itsgathering limitsfor the next four weeks, keeping outdoor events capped at 100 people and indoor gatherings at 50.

"Taking a pause in further reopening at this time will help us to avoid returning to broad scale closures and shut downs," she explained before stressing the importance of our continued adherence to public health advice.

Like Williams and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Elliott encouraged Ontario residents to keep up the physical distancing, wear face coverings, practice good hand hygiene, stay within their social circles and quarantine when necessary.