Screenshot of Premier Doug Ford
Premier Doug Ford has declared a State of Emergency in Ontario.
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.
Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for an extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.
Ford is also calling on the federal government to tighten up Canada’s borders.
He made the comments this morning at Queen’s Park saying he has heard disturbing stories from Canada’s borders and would like the Trudeau government to allow fewer people into our country. He did say he would support closing the borders to visitors, not trade partners since we need to keep our supply lines open.
“Closing borders to visitors, US or not, but not to trade,” Ford added.
Ford also reiterated that there is no need for panic buying at stores, saying supply chains are still in effect and will be restocking shelves.
The provincial government also shared with the public more information about their proposed legislation to protect employees who need to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They stressed employers should not be asking their employees for a sick note related to the coronavirus.
Finance Minister Rod Phillips says they will be working on protecting our economy during the pandemic. The Finance Minister is holding daily meetings with other ministers who deal with Ontario’s business sector. Phillips says he will release an economic update rather than a full budget on March 25th. It will provide a one-year outlook dealing with hospitals and the health care system and other funding to protect Ontario’s economy. Phillips also promises more money for the health care system saying they have the system’s back.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Screening protocols are also taking place at all city-run and private long term care facilities.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
More information on COVID-19 is available HERE and HERE.
You can take a self-assessment for COVID-19 HERE.
