The Ontario government, along with its chief medical officer, is extending COVID-19 orders for another month to help reign in the pandemic.
Orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) are extended through to Dec. 21.
“Extending these orders will continue to ensure we have the tools to address urgent public health situations and support the delivery of health care and other critical services,” said Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
On Nov. 13, the provincial government lowered thresholds for each level in its new colour-tied classification system for the province’s regional public health units.
The five levels of public health measures are green (prevent), yellow (protect), orange (restrict), red (control) and grey (lockdown).
For example, the Niagara Region is currently in the orange (restrict) tier. Toronto, Peel Region, York Region, Halton Region and Hamilton are currently in the red (control) tier.
Ontario’s state of emergency was declared Mar. 16. It was terminated Jul. 24 when the Reopening Ontario Act came into effect. Under the the act, orders can be extended for up to 30 days.
Ontario is also expected to announce new COVID-19 health measures and restrictions today. Ford hinted at the announcement at press conferences earlier this week. More information on this will be released later today.