A strict provincial stay-at-home order was set to go into effect on Thursday, April 8, at 12:01 a.m. after the provincial government declared a state of emergency in order to try to stop the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario. It is expected to last at least four weeks.
Under this order, people are required to stay home except for work or to pick up essential items. Most non-essential retail stores are closed and can only offer curbside pickup. Grocery stores, pharmacies, garden centres and the LCBO are allowed to stay open, while big box retail stores are restricted to selling only grocery and pharmacy items for in-person shopping. Restaurants are only allowed to offer takeout or delivery options.
For full details about the stay-at-home order and updates to the province’s vaccination plan, please see the government’s news release.