Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that all non-essential services are to shut down to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The shut down will come into effect on Tuesday, Mar. 24 at 11:59 p.m. and will last for 14 days, though Ford said the province is prepared to extend the shut down if necessary.
While exactly which services will be allowed to remain open is unclear, the premier has assured that essential services will continue to operate “to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.”
A detailed list of businesses allowed to remain open will be made available tomorrow.
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“There are many things that are being done and can be done at the local level, at the municipal level and at the provincial level. The federal Emergencies Act is a significant step that can and should be taken when we’ve exhausted all other steps.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada (Sunday, Mar. 22, 2020)
“To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open will be released tomorrow.”
“Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt.”
This news comes after a speech given by the Prime Minister in which he again urged people to stay home, saying “You all think you’re invincible. You’re not. Enough is enough. Go home and stay home. This is what we all need to be doing.”
Trudeau added that the government is “going to make sure this happens, whether by educating people more on the risks or by enforcing the rules if that’s needed. Nothing that could help is off the table.”
During a news conference on Sunday, the Prime Minister stated that the Federal Government is working “very closely with provinces, [and] with other jurisdictions, to make sure that they are able to do the things that need to be done.”
“There are many things that are being done and can be done at the local level, at the municipal level and at the provincial level. The federal Emergencies Act is a significant step that can and should be taken when we’ve exhausted all other steps.”
If you are a student who has been affected by the university closure, travel restrictions, or the changes to student residence, please get in touch. We want to hear from you.
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