In a media release on April 11, the government of Ontario stated that emergency orders to prevent the spread of COVID-19 would be extended until April 23. However today, April 13, Premier Doug Ford announced that when the legislature has a temporary meeting tomorrow that they will be extending the emergency orders for 28 days.
Members of Provincial Parliament are heading to Queen’s Park for just one day to pass the emergency act as well as discussion of other matters such as childcare, education, and municipal housing all with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These emergency orders are the same as before but have been extended longer. They include the closing of all outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places, bars and restaurants, and prohibiting events and social gatherings of more than five people.
“I understand the actions we are taking are affecting the lives and livelihoods of people across the province, but these are extraordinary times and we need to do whatever we can to keep individuals and families safe and stop the spread of this terrible virus,” said Premier Ford on the 11th. “We all must continue to do our part by staying home and practicing physical distancing. With the proper precautions and additional measures we’re taking today, I am confident we will get through this together and stronger.”
The government of Ontario has also taken some new steps in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 which includes:
- The repurposing of existing buildings and setting up temporary structures and tents to meet community needs. This will reduce pressure on health care facilities, where needed, and help shelters provide more space for sleeping to maintain the physical distancing requirements to reduce the spread of the virus.
- Increasing hospital capacity by using beds and services of retirement homes.
- Prohibiting recreational camping on Crown land as of April 9, 2020.
- Supporting workers in the construction industry and other businesses with emergency action to help improve cash flow. This will help lift the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act and allow the release of holdback payments to contractors and subcontractors.
To learn more about emergency information and orders, click here.
