Ontario extends emergency orders until June 9

By Amanda Jerome

Law360 Canada (May 27, 2020, 12:35 PM EDT) -- On May 27, the government of Ontario issued an announcement extending “all emergency orders in force under s. 7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the announcement, the emergency orders include: “the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery.”

“We are extending these emergency orders to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families as we begin to gradually and safely reopen our province,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.

“To build on the progress we have made to contain COVID-19, people should continue to follow these simple public health guidelines, practise physical distancing, wear a mask when it is a challenge to physical distance, and wash their hands regularly,” he added.

The restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people is also still in place as well as staff redeployment rules for “long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters.”