UPDATE: John Tory Declares State of Emergency in Toronto

All non-essential businesses across Ontario are being ordered to close in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, Premier Doug Ford announced Monday.

The order will come into effect Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 pm, giving non-essential businesses the chance to prepare, and will be in place for at least 14 days.

RELATED:

  • Major Real Estate Associations Calling for Suspension of Open Houses

  • EI Applications in Canada Up Nearly 2000% This Week Compared to Same Time Last Year

  • Toronto Residents Granted 60-Day Grace Period to Pay Utility Bills

    • As first reported by the Globe and Mail, Ford says he will release the list of businesses that will be allowed to stay open at this time on Tuesday.

    However, grocery stores, pharmacies, and takeout restaurants will still be allowed to stay open, as well as essential manufacturer and supply chain providers.

    “This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures,” Ford said.

    This move comes less than a week after Ford announced the province was under a state of emergency, which saw the prohibition of any organized events of 50+ people and the following closures:

    • Facilities providing recreational programs

    • Libraries

    • Private Schools

    • Licensed child care centres

    • Bars and restaurants (takeout and delivery permitted)

    • Theatres, cinemas and concert venues

      • This news comes on the same day that provincial health officials reported 78 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 503 in Ontario, which includes eight resolved cases and six deaths.

      Ontario News