TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ford says this is an unprecedented time in our history and this decision was not made lightly.
Ford says the order bans public events of over 50 people, including parades, events and services within places of worship until March 31.
“This order will come into effect immediately,” Ford said.
The province has ordered the closure of all facilities providing indoor recreation programs, all public libraries, all private schools, all licensed childcare centres, all theatres, cinemas and concert venues, and all bars and restaurants except to provide takeout food and delivery.
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“We need to do everything possible to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Ford told reporters in Toronto. “The health and well-being over every Ontarian must be our No. 1 priority.”
Ford says the majority businesses won’t be affected by the order. Essential services such as grocery stores will continue to operate. Shopping malls have not been closed at this time.
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“I want to be very clear about what this means and what this doesn’t mean. This is not a provincial shutdown. I repeat, this is not a provincial shutdown. The vast majority of businesses including those most vital to day-to-day life will not be affected by this order.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 17, 2020.
With files from HuffPost Canada
More to come