New restriction measures follow increasing rate of COVID-19 cases across Ontario
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced today that as of Jan. 14 at 12:01 a.m. a province wide stay-at-home order will be put into effect.
The order restricts movement to essential needs like grocery shopping, health-care, exercise or essential work. The government has stated that businesses must ensure any employee who can work from home do so.
The new limitations and state of emergency order will be in place for 28 days, effectively extending the lockdown period which was supposed to initially end on Jan. 24.
These new restrictions come on the heels of a worsening trend of infections. Despite the vaccine beginning its roll-out period, with essential workers and vulnerable populations immunized first, COVID-19 spread has been increasing in Ontario at a steady rate.
The Ontario government has stated the following restriction measures:
- 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.
Ontarians caught violating the stay-at-home order could face a fine and prosecution under the Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Emergency Management (EMPCA).