Toronto 
Ford government has declared a state of emergency to combat the rapid rise of COVID-19.
What does Ontario’s State of Emergency Mean:
The Government of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by making an order declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
The following establishments are legally required to close immediately until March 31:
- Prohibition of organised public events and gathering over 50, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship.
- All recreational programs and libraries
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs
- All private schools
- All daycares
- All bars and restaurants, with the exception of restaurants that can shift to takeout/delivery mechanisms
- All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies
- All concert venues
Ford emphasized that this is not a provincial shutdown. All essential services including grocery shops, and public transit will remain open.
Shopping malls will remain open at this time. Construction sites to remain open.
“We are facing an unprecedented time in our history,” said Premier Ford. “This is a decision that was not made lightly. COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions. We are taking this extraordinary measure because we must offer our full support and every power possible to help our health care sector fight the spread of COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of every Ontarian must be our number one priority.”
Last week, only publicly funded schools were ordered to close.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will be closing its borders to all those who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada. U.S. Citizens are exempt from this restriction at this time.
Yesterday, François Legault, the Premier of Québec, announced temporary financial assistance to eligible Quebecers to the tune of $573 per week.
More to come.
