All Non Essential Businesses to Close in Ontario

Monday, 23 March 2020 at 13:49

Premier Doug Ford announced today that all non essential businesses in the Province will be forced to close. The order will take effect, Tuesday March 24th at 11:59 pm for 14 days.

UPDATE: Several media outlets are reporting that the LCBO and Beer Store are considered essential services. I have heard from employee's at both locations that they have been told they will not be closing at this time.

ONTARIO - Premier Doug Ford announced today that all non essential businesses and services are to be closed in the Province of Ontario.

The order will take effect, Tuesday March 24th at 11:59 pm for 14 days. The Province will release the list of businesses that are permitted to stay open tomorrow. Ford says he his prepared to extend this order if necessary.

"This was a very tough decision, but it is the right decision, this is not the time for half measures, this decision was not made lightly and the gravity of this order does not escape me, but as I have said from day 1, we will and we must take all steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Ford says all essential services will continue to operate.

"It means, food will remain on the shelves, Ontarians will still have access to medications and essential products. It means the power will still stay and telecommunications will continue to run but it also means that every Ontarian will do their part. If you can, please stay home, only leave when necessary."

Ford also had a message for everyone returning home.

"If you can, please stay home, only leave if necessary, to all the snowbirds and Canadians coming home from abroad, you must self isolate, I repeat, you must self isolate, the health of your friends, your grandparents, your parents depend on this."

Ford says we must get ahead of this virus to beat this virus. The Province will announce additional measures to support businesses that are forced to close on Wednesday. This a breaking news story and we will provide more information when it becomes available.

When asked about schools opening on April 6th, the Premier confirmed that is not a realistic timeline right now. Schools will not be opened on April 6th; however he did not give a date as to when he thinks schools will be re-opened.