This morning, Premier Ford has declared a state of emergency as Ontario tries to slow the spread of COVID-19. With this, public events of over 50 people will be banned until March 31^st – this includes parades, events and service.

All facilities providing indoor recreation programs, all public libraries, all private schools, all licensed childcare centers, all theaters, cinemas and concert venues, and all bars and restaurants (except those providing takeout food and delivery) will be closed.

Essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies will continue to operate. The order also does not yet apply to public transit and shopping malls.

In his declaration, Ford also announced a $300 million relief package to be invested into health-care:

• $100 million for increased capacity in hospitals; 

• $50 million for testing and more screening through public health (i.e. contact tracing, increased labratory testing capacity and home testing)

• $50 million to increase the supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies to protect front-line health care workers

• $25 million to support frontline workers workng in assessment centres

• $50 million for long-term care homes for around the clock screening and additional staffing for infection control and additional supplies

• $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth 

• $5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes

• $4 million for Indigneous communities to support transportation costs for health caare professionals and distribution of critical supplies

Ford stressed that that the government is attempting to flatten the curve and to avoid overwhelming the health care system.

In Ontario, there are a total of 177 confirmed cases (including 5 recoveries) and there are more than 1.537 people under investigation.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please regularly check the government’s webpage here.

For more information, please see below: 

Ontario Newsroom: Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public

CBC News: 'We Must Act Decisively - Ontario Premier Doug Ford Declares State of Emergency Amid Outbreak of COVID-19