Ford to extend Ontario's state of emergency by 28 days
Premier Doug Ford announced that he plans on extending the province’s state of emergency by 28 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Ford, the extension will take place when the legislature resumes on Tuesday. Ford said besides the state of emergency, they will be addressing education, childcare, and municipal housing.
“Hopefully we’ll get through this,” said Ford. “I just want to thank members of the opposition for their cooperation on getting these passed right away.”
As per the Emergency Management Act, the “Assembly, on the recommendation of the Premier, may by resolution extend the period of an emergency for additional periods of no more than 28 days.”
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The state of emergency in the province was first issued on March 17.
And two weeks after premier Ford declared the state of emergency for Ontario amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he confirmed that it will be extended on March 30.
Since the start of the state of emergency, Ontario has closed non-essential businesses, as well as banned short-term rentals, as well as banned gatherings of over 5 people.
Essential services, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, public transit, manufacturing facilities, and supply chain companies remain open and operational.
The LCBO also remains open, with reduced hours and is now closed on Mondays.
As of April 13, there were 7,470 total cases of COVID-19 in the province.