Premier Doug Ford has declared a State of Emergency in Ontario.
As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
- All public libraries;
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
- All licensed child care centres;
- All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
- All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
- Concert venues.
Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for an extension unless this order is terminated earlier.
Ford is calling on the federal government to tighten up Canada’s borders.
He made the comments this morning at Queen’s Park saying he has heard disturbing stories from Canada’s borders and would like the Trudeau government to allow fewer people into our country. He did say he would support closing the borders to visitors, not trade partners since we need to keep our supply lines open.
“Closing borders to visitors, US or not, but not to trade,” Ford added.
Ford also reiterated there is no need for panic buying at stores, saying supply chains are still in effect and will be restocking shelves.
The provincial government also shared with the public more information about their proposed legislation to protect employees who need to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They stressed employers should not be asking their employees for a sick note related to the coronavirus.
Finance Minister Rod Phillips says they will be working on protecting our economy during the pandemic. The Finance Minister is holding daily meetings with other ministers who deal with Ontario’s business sector. Phillips says he will release an economic update rather than a full budget on March 25th. It will provide a one-year outlook dealing with hospitals and the health care system and other funding to protect Ontario’s economy. Phillips also promises more money for the health care system saying they have the system’s back.
