Doug Ford addresses the media on March 28, 2020Doug Ford addresses the media on March 28, 2020
London

Emergency orders extended to June 9

Social gatherings of more than five people will continue to be banned in Ontario until June 9.

The province extended its emergency orders again Wednesday.

Since March, the orders have shut down outdoor playgrounds, play structures, public swimming pools, and bars and restaurants.

Bars and restaurants are still able to serve patrons with curbside service and delivery.

Non-essential businesses that have not been allowed to open will also remain closed. So far, garden centres, hardware stores, and retail stores with a street entrance can open so long as they adhere to social distancing measures.

The rules for staff deployment at long-term care homes will also remain in place.

"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," said Premier Doug Ford. "If you think you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to the virus, go to an assessment centre and get tested."

Testing for COVID-19 has been open to anyone who wants to get tested since Monday.

The declaration of a state of emergency remains in effect until June 2.

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