Ford extends emergency orders to May 29
Ontario restaurants and bars will be restricted to serving takeout food and booze until at least May 29.
Premier Doug Ford’s government has extended all emergency orders that have been in place since March 17.
That means social gatherings will continue to be limited to five people until the end of next week.
Ford had suggested last week that the cap — in place to stem the spread of a virus that has killed more than 2,000 people in Ontario — could soon be increased from five to 10.
But the premier emphasized that caution will rule the day.
“If we follow the medical advice — if we take our time and get it right — then we’ll be able to open more businesses, get people back to work where they want to get to,” he told the legislature Tuesday.
“We have a long way to go, we have a long road to recovery, but let’s take some time today and be grateful for how far we’ve all come.”
He noted drive-in religious services are now allowed as long as worshippers maintain a safe social distance of two metres.
While the province formally entered the first phase of opening up Ontario’s economy on Tuesday, allowing most retailers with street entrances to serve customers, numerous restrictions remain in place.
The province is in a state of emergency until June 2, but the specific orders issued under that law need to be extended every two weeks.
According to the order issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, “no person shall attend an organized public event of more than five people, including a parade.”
That also prohibits “a social gathering of more than five people or a gathering of more than five people for the purposes of conducting religious services, rites or ceremonies” and it “applies to an event or gathering even if it is held at a private dwelling.”
The only exceptions are “a gathering of members of a single household (and) a gathering for the purposes of a funeral service that is not attended by more than 10 persons.”
Ford emphasized the government is acting upon the recommendations of Dr. David Williams, the chief medical officer of health.
“Although we are entering the first stage of our framework to reopen the economy, it’s critical that we continue to do so in a safe and responsible manner,” the premier said.
Restaurants and bars are only permitted to sell takeout meals, but Ford has eased liquor licensing to allow beer, wine and spirits to go.
While that popular measure, which has helped some restaurateurs stay afloat, is supposed to expire on Dec. 31, the Progressive Conservatives privately admit it could be here to stay.
In part that’s because Ford promised to liberalize alcohol sales during the 2018 election. Meanwhile, some outdoor sports facilities and fields, offleash dog areas, picnic tables, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas are now open again.
But outdoor playgrounds, fitness equipment, public swimming pools, splash pads and other water parks must stay closed for the time being.
“The people of Ontario have been doing a fantastic job to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of this terrible virus,” Ford said. “With warmer weather beginning, individuals and families will now be able to enjoy many outdoor amenities, but everyone must continue to maintain physical distancing from those outside of their household.”
Health Minister Christine Elliott implored people to be vigilant. “It’s never been more important for people to continue following the public health measures and advice we’ve laid out, so we don’t undo the tremendous progress we’ve made to contain COVID-19.”
“We have a long road to recovery, but let’s take some time today and be grateful for how far we’ve all come.”
PREMIER DOUG FORD