THUNDER BAY - While Ontario has not seen a surge in community spread cases of COVID-19 this month, the provincial government has ordered an extension to all emergency orders in an effort to protect the most vulnerable members of the population.
It was announced on Thursday that orders put in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act will remain in effect until at least May 6, including the closure of all non-essential businesses and services.
“We are making steady progress in our battle against this deadly virus, but we are not out of the woods by a long shot. It is absolutely necessary to extend these emergency orders to continue keeping all Ontarians safe and healthy," said Premier Doug Ford in a media release.
"Every effort made by each of us to stay home, practise physical distancing and wash your hands has been, and will continue to be, the key to stopping the spread of this virus."
The province first declared a state of emergency on March 17 and it was later extended through the Ontario legislature until May 12.
The emergency orders include the closure of non-essential businesses, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people, the closure of all public recreational amenities, continued use of off-peak electricity pricing, workers limited to working in a single long-term care facility, and work deployment measures for municipalities.
A complete list of emergency orders can be found on the government of Ontario website.
