From the Government of Ontario Newsroom
Due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis and rising number of cases, Ontario has declared a second provincial emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures have not been taken lightly and are in response to the latest modelling data that shows that if the numbers are not brought under control, hospitals will soon be overwhelmed.
Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021, the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for work where work cannot be done remotely.
In response to the alarming and exceptional circumstances at hand, and to further interrupt the deadly trend of transmission in Ontario communities, hospitals, and long-term care homes, the following additional public health measures will take effect January 13, 2021:
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- Outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people with limited exceptions. This is consistent with the rules during the lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19 in spring 2020 and will allow individuals and families to enjoy time outdoors safely.
- Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open. Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can’t physically distance more than two metres.
- All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.
- Non-essential construction is further restricted, including below-grade construction, exempting survey.
Update on COVID19 Projections (latest modelling trends)
“The trends in key public health indicators are continuing to deteriorate, and further action is urgently required to save lives,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “By strictly adhering to all public health and workplace safety measures, we can reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and keep our loved ones and our communities safe. It will take the collective efforts of us all to defeat this virus.”
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect the people of Ontario from COVID-19.
