Premier Doug Ford speaks to the media March 23, 2020. Premier Doug Ford speaks to the media March 23, 2020.
Chatham

Province extends emergency orders

The provincial government announced Saturday morning that it's extending all emergency orders related to COVID-19.

The orders, put in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, are now extended until at least April 23.

This includes the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places, bars and the dine-in sections of restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and the prohibition of price gouging.

"I understand the actions we are taking are affecting the lives and livelihoods of people across the province, but these are extraordinary times and we need to do whatever we can to keep individuals and families safe and stop the spread of this terrible virus," Premier Ford said in a statement. "We all must continue to do our part by staying home and practicing physical distancing. With the proper precautions and additional measures we're taking today, I am confident we will get through this together and stronger."

In addition, new measures have been introduced to address surge capacity in retirement homes, restrict recreational camping on Crown land, and allow the repurposing of existing buildings and temporary structures.

The government first issued a state of emergency on March 17, which was originally intended to stay in effect until March 31. It was then extended until April 13.

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