Premier declares another State of Emergency

ONTARIO — Premier Doug Ford has declared a State of Emergency across Ontario effective immediately.

On Tuesday, the Premier made the announcement and also issued a stay-at-home order, effective Thursday at 12:01 am. Residents can only go out for groceries, work and medical appointments.

In Windsor-Essex, as well as some Toronto regions, schools will remain closed until at least February 10 for in-person learning.

“Stay home, save lives, protect our health care system,” Ford said. “Our health care system is on the brink of collapse.”

Ford says the U.K. strain of the COVID-19 is spreading across the province and will infect more people as it makes its way through Ontario. “I know everyone is tired,” he added. “I’m tired too.” Ford cited people travelling and gathering as the main cause of the virus spread.

The province is asking businesses to ensure that any employees who can work from home, do so. All non-essential construction will shut down and non-essential retail must close by 8 pm.

The State of Emergency is in place for a minimum of 28 days.