THUNDER BAY - As the province continues to reopen the economy, it has voted to extend all emergency orders until July 22.
The extension was made following consultation with Ontario’s chief medical officer of health. The orders include allowing the redeployment of frontline staff in long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and other congregate living spaces, and health units to redeploy staff or hire new staff for case management and contact tracing.
Other orders include restrictions on public gatherings of more than 10 people and the closure of certain outdoor recreational areas such as playgrounds.
“Our government is getting Ontario back on track and more people back to work, but at the same time taking steps to ensure we don't undo the tremendous progress we have made together," said Premier Doug Ford.
"By keeping these emergency measures in place, we will continue to support our frontline care providers, protect our most vulnerable, and ensure we can rapidly respond to potential outbreaks or surges."
Earlier this week, the provincial government said the state of emergency is expected to be lifted in the very near future, however, it has introduced a new piece of legislation, Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act 2020, which would allow the government to continue with certain emergency measures.
The bill is not without controversy, with members of the opposition saying it grants the government too much power with no accountability.
