Ontario extends emergency orders to May 6 to stop spread of COVID-19

Ontario is extending all emergency orders put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 until May 6.

The orders include the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars, and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and limiting staff from working in more than one retirement home or long-term care home.

The provincial government says the decision was made on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“We are making steady progress in our battle against this deadly virus, but we are not out of the woods by a long shot. It is absolutely necessary to extend these emergency orders to continue keeping all Ontarians safe and healthy,” said Premier Doug Ford in a news release. “Every effort made by each of us to stay home, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands has been, and will continue to be, the key to stopping the spread of this virus.”

The province has also announced a new measure to allow mental health and addiction agencies to redeploy staff within different locations or between programs. The agencies can also hire extra part-time staff, temporary staff, or contractors in order to ensure people continue receiving care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Ap. 14, the province extended the Declaration of Emergency until May 12.