Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency.
He's ordering the closure of the following establishments in Niagara and beyond;
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs
- All public libraries
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act
- All licensed child care centres
- All bars and restaurants (except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery)
- All theatres (including movie cinemas and those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms)
- Concert venues
Essential services including grocery stores and pharmacies will remain open.
The province is also banning large public events with more than 50 people until March 31st.
Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff says the situation is changing rapidly.
"I will continue working with our organizations and small businesses, as well as the Ministry of Economic Development and Job Creation, to make sure immediate relief is on its way for those who are being impacted by these difficult decisions. I want to assure the community our government is working extremely hard to make sure the lives and well-being of all citizens in Ontario are protected, and we will be working around the clock to get relief to those who need it."
The Ford Government is also investing up to $304-million to enhance Ontario's response to COVID-19.
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