UPDATED: March 24, 2020
– A list of essential workplaces that will operate can be found on the Government of Ontario’s official website.
To further protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario, Ford government has ordered mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.
A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open will be released tomorrow.
“This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures,” said Premier Doug Ford. “But I have said from day one we will, and we must take all steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of every Ontarian must come first. The health of you, your children, your grandparents, and friends depends on all of us doing our part.”
Premier Doug Ford says “we need to get ahead of this virus to be safe”.
His Message to the Ontarions- “We have your back, we will get through this together.” #COVIDー19 #MondayMotivation #StayHome— XFM News (@XFMNews) March 23, 2020
Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt.
Essential services will continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.
A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.
“Based on the advice of Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts at our Command Table, Ontario is taking further action to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These enhanced measures are necessary to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. Nothing is more important,” she said.
“Our top priority must be to protect the health of the people of Ontario,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will allow the people and the businesses of Ontario to move forward from this unprecedented situation.”
“Our government is listening to our public health officials to ensure we take the right actions to support the health and safety of Ontario job creators and workers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are working directly with businesses and workers across all sectors to support them in any way possible through this crisis.”
Minister Fedeli urges the business community to share their innovative ideas and capabilities to fight COVID-19 through our new portal Ontario Together at www.ontario.ca/OntarioTogether.
A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.
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