Doug Ford declares state of emergency in Toronto. March 17 2020. (Capture from livestream via CBC YouTube.)
The Conservative government of Ontario has officially declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Tuesday morning.
“We are facing an unprecedented time in our history,” said Premier Ford. “This is a decision that was not made lightly.”
The province is forcing closures to the following establishments:
- Facilities providing indoor recreational programs
- Public libraries
- Private schools
- Licensed child care centres
- Bars and restaurants (except takeout food and delivery)
- Theatres and concert venues.
Our government is taking the necessary action to protect Ontarians and combat COVID-19 by declaring a State of Emergency up until March 31 2020. We are taking this extraordinary measure to ensure the health sector has every power possible to fight the spread of this virus.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 17, 2020
Organized public events of over 50 people are also prohibited, including parades, events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020.
Ford said Ontario will invest $304 million to enhance the province’s response to COVID-19.
The increased funding includes investments from Ontario’s previously-announced COVID-19 Contingency Fund, as well as funding provided by the federal government.
More information on funding can be found on the province’s website.
