Premier Ford Announces Lockdown

Starting on Boxing Day, Ontario will be in lockdown.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement today, saying that the measure was put in place to prevent overwhelming hospitals and long-term care homes and that we need to put an end to the virus. 

"We need to stop the spread of this deadly virus. That's why, on the advice of Dr. Williams and other health experts, we are taking the difficult but necessary decision to shutdown the province and ask people to stay home. Nothing is more important right now than the health and safety of all Ontarians."

Lockdown measures include restricting social interactions except for members of your own household. 

If you live alone, you can have close contact with one other household. 

In-person shopping in most retail settings will be prohibited, however, curbside pickup and delivery can continue. 

Discount and big box retailers that sell groceries can operate at 25 percent capacity for in-store shopping, and pharmacies, supermarkets, and similar stores that sell food can have a capacity of 50 percent for in-store shopping. 

Indoor and outdoor restaurant dining will also be prohibited, but establishments can continue to serve customers via take-out, drive-through or delivery. 

The lockdown will last for 14 days in Northern Ontario and 28 days in Southern Ontario. 

All Ontarians are urged to stay home, except for necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, or assisting anyone who is vulnerable. 

For schools in Niagara, elementary school students are planned to be able to return to in-person classes on January 11th, and secondary school students will continue to learn remotely until January 25th. 

Elementary school students will do remote learning from January 4th - 8th. 

During this period, child-care services, authorized recreational and skill building programs will remain open. 

Additionally, small businesses affected by the lockdown can apply for the New Ontario Small Business Grant, which will provide between $10,000 to $20,000 to assist small business owners during this period.