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Ontario extends Emergency Orders to May 29th

TORONTO, ON. May 19, 2020 — While certain aspects of everyday life are beginning to resume in Ontario today, the Ford government reaffirmed that we are still in the middle of a pandemic as the province in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced that they are extending all emergency orders currently in force until May 29, 2020.

Also today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the Canada – U.S. border will remain closed for at least another month as both the provinces and country continue the fight against the spread of COVID-19.

No dine-in and still only gatherings of up to 5 people are permitted

Under Ontario’s continuing emergency orders bars and restaurants will be remaining closed except for takeout and delivery only, and social gatherings of more than five people are still not permitted, despite recent hints that the province may soon expand the social bubble to 10 people. The Emergency order also includes staff redeployment rules for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women’s shelters and the allowance of drive-in religious gatherings with certain distancing restrictions put in place.

It is important to note that outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, fitness equipment, public swimming pools, splash pads and similar outdoor water facilities will remain closed until later stages of the province’s reopening plan.

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What is now permitted by Ontario as part its Phase 1 of reopening

Meanwhile, today the province officially enters the first stage of its Framework for Reopening, which includes permitting the reopening of some outdoor recreational amenities, such as outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, off-leash dog areas, and outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas.

Also, as part of Phase 1 of Ontario’s ‘framework for reopening,’ today retail establishments aside from malls are now permitted to open and all construction projects are permitted to resume with physical distancing measures required for all sectors.

Additionally, individual amateur and professional sports activities can also resume. These include non-team sports like cycling tracks, tennis, horse racing, driving range golfing, sport shooting clubs, rowing, boating clubs, gymnastics and figure skating.

“Although we are entering the first stage of our framework to reopen the economy, it’s critical that we continue to do so in a safe and responsible manner,” said Premier Ford. “The people of Ontario have been doing a fantastic job to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of this terrible virus. With warmer weather beginning, individuals and families will now be able to enjoy many outdoor amenities, but everyone must continue to maintain physical distancing from those outside of their household.”

Physical distancing and frequent hand-washing must remain a part of your everyday practice

To ensure that individuals and families have safe access to outdoor spaces, it is critical they take everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus, such as maintaining physical distancing by staying two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, washing hands regularly, and staying home if feeling unwell.

“It’s never been more important for people to continue following the public health measures and advice we’ve laid out, so we don’t undo the tremendous progress we’ve made to contain COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “While reopening parks and other outdoor spaces is important for our physical and mental health, we’re encouraging people to be responsible by keeping a safe distance of at least two metres from members outside of their household.”

Drive-in religious gatherings are permitted under certain conditions

In addition, the government has approved an exemption to the emergency order related to gatherings to allow Ontarians to attend drive-in religious gatherings, under certain conditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The conditions include keeping vehicles two metres or more apart, only members of the same household can be in one vehicle, people will not be able to leave their vehicles, and no more than five people can conduct the service at one time from outside a motor vehicle and they must stay at least two metres apart.

“Our government recognizes the importance that Ontarians place on participating in religious services,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “We continue to take a measured approach to reopening our province and this exemption is another important step forward in that process.”

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government has extended all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 29, 2020.