Ontario orders closure of all non-essential workplaces to fight COVID-19

The government of Ontario today announced the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces for the next 14 days, with the possibility of extending this order as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

The government will release a full list of businesses that are allowed to stay open tomorrow.

According to a government press release, essential services may continue operating to maintain supply chains and ensure Ontario residents can access necessities. Businesses that can operate with employees working remotely or through other contingency measures have 36 hours to prepare and adapt.

“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, Ontario minister of economic development, job creation and trade, in a statement. “We are working directly with businesses and workers across all sectors to support them in any way possible through this crisis. We urge 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.”