Ontario declares state of emergency to help contain spread of COVID-19
On March 17, the Government of Ontario announced that it is declaring a state of emergency to help contain the spread of Covid-19 in the province. As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
- All public libraries;
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
- All licensed child care centres;
- All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
- All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
- Concert venues.
All organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship.
These closures will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.
| 
