Ontario further extends state of emergency

The Province announced that they are extending the emergency orders to control the spread of COVID-19 to June 9. The emergency orders had been set to expire on Friday.

“We are extending these emergency orders to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families as we begin to gradually and safely reopen our province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “To build on the progress we have made to contain COVID-19, people should continue to follow these simple public health guidelines, practice physical distancing, wear a mask when it is a challenge to physical distance, and wash their hands regularly. If you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus, go to an assessment centre and get tested.”

Current emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery.

Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, while staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women’s shelters.

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Ontario declared a provincial emergency on March 17 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

This declaration of emergency was most recently extended on May 12 for two weeks.