MASSIVE SHUTOWN MIDNIGHT TUESDAY
TORONTO — At midnight Tuesday only essential workplaces will be allowed to stay open the next 14 days in a rare restriction on civil rights.
Grocery stores, pharmacies and takeouts are exempt.
And according to Prime Minister Trudeau today, he said he has no tolerance for people who don’t abide by the new rules.
He said police enforcement could be next if people don’t abide by the restrictions to combat COVID-19.
On March 23, Ontario ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses and workplace tomorrow, March 24.
They say in a government release, the province will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24 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.
“This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“But I have said from day one we will, and we must, take all steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of every Ontarian must come first. The health of you, your children, your grandparents and friends depends on all of us doing our part.”
Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt.
The province says essential services may continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.
“Based on the advice of Dr. Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, and the experts at our command table, Ontario is taking further action to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Minister of Health.
“These enhanced measures are necessary to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. Nothing is more important.”
Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, added: “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will allow the people and the businesses of Ontario to move forward from this unprecedented situation.”
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said: “We are working directly with businesses and workers across all sectors to support them in any way possible through this crisis. We urge the business community to share their innovative ideas and capabilities to fight COVID-19 through our new portal Ontario Together at www.ontario.ca/OntarioTogether.”
