On Friday, April 16th, the Ontario Government announced additional enforcement measures for the Province’s Stay-at-Home order while imposing new travel restrictions and further strengthening public health measures.  

Both the provincial declaration of emergency and the Stay-at-Home order have been extended for an additional two weeks.   

To increase public compliance with the Stay-at-Home order amendments to O. Reg. 8/21 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) have been made that provide police officers and other provincial offences officers, including municipal by-law enforcement officers, with enhanced authority to support the enforcement of Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order when they suspect that an individual may be participating in a prohibited gathering. 

The Government is restricting travel to Ontario from the provinces of Manitoba and Quebec with the exception of purposes such as work, health care services, transportation and delivery of goods and services or exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights. 

The Government has also amended O. Reg. 82/20 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 to: 

• Prohibit all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household; 

• Close all non-essential workplaces in the construction sector; 

• Reduce capacity limits to 25 per cent in all retail settings where in-store shopping is permitted; and

• Close several recreational amenities such as golf courses, basketball courts and soccer fields. (*Note though playgrounds were initially closed, the Government reversed this closure and further amended the regulation).  

The Government is also limiting the capacity of weddings, funerals and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 10 people indoors or outdoors. Social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions are prohibited, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone. Drive-in ceremonies will be permitted. 

All other public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the province-wide emergency brake will continue to apply.  

Ontario Strengthens Enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order 

Emergency Information including Updated Provincial Orders 

COVID-19 Shutdown: Enhanced Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures