The Ontario government has extended the province-wide stay-at-home order for two more weeks until June 2.
Outdoor amenities and schools will remain closed during the extension. Current stay-at-home and lockdown measures were set to expire on May 20 after six weeks of declining COVID-19 daily case reports that have dropped by 38 per cent from its high on April 8 of 4471. Today Ontario reported 2759 new cases.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said Ford on Thursday. “We must stay vigilant and continue to do what we’re doing. My goal is to have the most normal July and August possible.”
The stay-at-home order requires Ontarians to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy. They can also access health care services, including getting vaccinated. Outdoor exercise is permitted. Work is also permitted if cannot be done remotely.
In-person shopping and non-essential stores, including malls, will stay closed. Big box stores are are allowed to sell essential items only.
Outdoor amenities such as golf courses, tennis, and basketball courts are restricted. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said after June 2, when the extended order expires, the government will consider the reopening of outdoor recreational amenities.
Dr. Peter Juni, the scientific director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, said recently that outdoor activities like golf, tennis and beach volleyball are low risk.
