Ontarians just got an emergency alert about the Stay-at-Home order

An Ontario-wide emergency alert was sent out on Thursday morning just after 11 am as the provincial Stay-at-Home order went into effect.

The alert warns that people should only leave home for “essential purposes” such as getting groceries, accessing healthcare, getting exercise, or going to work.

“It’s the law,” the alert reads. “Stay home, stay safe, save lives.”

Solicitor General Sylvia Jones confirmed the provincial government sent the alert. She acknowledged its intrusive nature, but said getting the message out was important.

We have issued an emergency alert to all cellular devices, and broadcast to all TV/radio networks, telling Ontarians to stay home whenever possible. Although these alerts are intrusive, the message is more important than ever. Stay home. Save Lives. pic.twitter.com/vQJZPFNJ8I

— Sylvia Jones (@SylviaJonesMPP) April 8, 2021

The provincial Stay-at-Home order went into effect at 12:01 am on April 8 in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario.

The measures will be in place for at least four weeks.

In addition to limiting outings to essential trips and working from home when possible, many non-essential businesses have closed.

Schools are also closed for at least two weeks in Toronto and Peel.

To date, Ontario has seen 374,112 COVID-19 cases.