THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is extending validation periods for driver’s licences, health cards and vehicle registrations.
The move will last until such a time as the province’s chief medical officer of health deems it’s OK for face-to-face interaction at Service Ontario outlets, in response to the growing coronavirus threat.
Ontario photo cards and commercial vehicle operator certificates are also included.
"We have a responsibility to Ontarians to ensure that we take every possible step to enable social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott, in a release issued by the province on Thursday.
"By implementing these additional measures, Ontarians can avoid putting themselves at risk and will continue to have access to the services that they need, when they need them."
Time-critical services, such as motor vehicle inspection station stock orders and single-trip oversize/overweight permits, will continue to be delivered by the Ministry of Transportation.
“We urge our customers not to visit a ServiceOntario centre unless absolutely necessary," said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.
"We encourage people to complete transactions online or use the extended validation period, and to follow the advice of our medical professions and stay at home."
A full list of the services affected by the change can be found at www.ServiceOntario.ca.
A number of services are already available online.
