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Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency in the fight to control the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re facing an unprecedented time in our history,” Ford said Tuesday. “COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions.”
Attorney General Sylvia Jones invoked the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to enforce orders such as a ban on all organized gatherings of over 50 people.
With these powers, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams has made province-wide orders — rather than just recommendations — to close bars and restaurants, and prohibit regular church services, parades and similar events until March 31.
“The following establishments are closed, effective immediately, until March 31 – all facilities providing indoor recreational programs, all public libraries, all private schools as defined in the Education Act, all licenced child care centres… all theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance and other art forms as well as cinemas that show movies and concert venues,” Ford said.