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Updates from Ontario
The Province of Ontario continues to take aggressive, comprehensive action in concert with its Federal and Municipal partners to combat the spread of COVID-19, and protect the health of all Ontarians.
On March 28, the Province of Ontario issued an order that prohibited social and public gatherings of more than five people to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The order does not apply to private households with five or more people, or to childcare centres operating for frontline health care workers and first responders.
On March 30, the Province announced additional measures to increase awareness around the spread of COVID-19, with a daily epidemiological summary replacing the previous general information page about the number of cases in the Province.
On the same day, Premier Ford announced the extension of the emergency declaration until April 14, and further the Province issued an announcement that there will be further closing of non-essential workplaces and all outdoor recreational amenities. Workplaces will be closed for a further 14 days, with the updated list being found here.
On March 31, the Province announced that all public schools and child care centres will remain closed until at least May 4, with private schools closed until April 13 (as those private schools can only be issued closing declarations 14 days at a time).
On the same day, the Province announced that individuals who are charged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act will be required to identify themselves if asked by any officer of the law. This temporary act was put in place to better protect people from the outbreak of COVID-19.
On April 1 and 2, the Province announced additional funding that will better allow the Province to work together with private industries, enabling them to retool existing operations to manufacture PPE, ventilators, and testing equipment, and further increasing mental health support during COVID-19. In a statement, Premier Ford said, "This very difficult situation will impact different people in different ways, but I can assure everyone we will be there to support you and help you cope in every way we can. Clearly, protecting our health and well-being is everything, and that includes our mental health."
Finally, on April 3 Ontario Health publicly released their modelling numbers that the impact COVID-19 will have on the people of Ontario. The Modelling release can be found here. The models showed the impact that the mitigation strategies put in place have had, and that if further strategies are put in place and we continue to act with the seriousness that this pandemic asks of us, we can further #plankthecurve
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Updates from Toronto
The City of Toronto continues to take action in concert with its government partners at the provincial and federal level.
On March 31, the City of Toronto announced the cancellation of all city permits through June 30. The decision was made in consultation with health care leaders to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to further physical distancing measures. The end date of this order will be reviewed every two weeks.
On April 1, Mayor John Tory under the advice of Medical Officer Dr. Eileen de Villa announced stronger measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures include:
- All individuals with COVID-19 are ordered by the Medical Officer of Health to stay home, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for 14 days
- All individuals who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are also ordered to stay home by the Medical Officer of Health for 14 days
- Anyone who is not ill or has not travelled, is strongly directed to stay home except for the following reasons:
o accessing healthcare or medication
o shop for groceries once per week
o walk their dogs
o get daily exercise while maintaining physical distancing of at least two metres
On April 2, Mayor Tory announced an emergency measure regulating physical distancing in all parks and public squares of at least two metres distance. This measure is in place for the next 30 days. Mayor Tory and Dr. Eileen de Villa further encouraged all Toronto residents to stay at home except when absolutely necessary.
https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/
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