THUNDER BAY - Following the release of COVID-19 models for the province that project between 3,000 and 15,000 deaths over the course of what could be a two-year pandemic, Premier Doug Ford is taking further steps to keep that number as low as possible.
The provincial government announced further closures of non-essential services on Friday, primarily in the construction sector.
“We will do everything that it takes,” Ford said during his daily media briefing on Friday. “You look at what we’ve done over the last two weeks is astonishing. We’ve shut down the vast majority of our economy; we’ve shut down our schools. Everything is always on the table.”
The updated emergency order will take effect on Saturday and will include the halting of any non-critical construction projects across the province.
Projects considered essential include industrial construction, infrastructure projects such as hospitals, roads, and bridges, and residential house construction near completion. All new residential construction projects are being ordered to stop.
Construction projects still ongoing will be subject to heightened scrutiny and inspections and the province has hired 60 new site inspectors.
More businesses have also been added to the list of non-essential services forced to close last month. These include stores that sell hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, animal and pet supplies, office supplies and computer products and repairs, and safety supplies. They can still sell using alternative methods, including curbside delivery, if they choose.
A complete list of businesses deemed essential can be found on the provincial government website.
The revisions to the list of essential businesses follows the release COVID-19 models for the province in what Ford said is an effort to not only be as transparent as possible, but to share with Ontarians the seriousness of the situation facing the health care system and the public.
“These numbers tell a story of Ontario’s fight against COVID-19,” he said. “The reality is the early chapters of our story have already been written. There are some things that are out of anyone’s hands. What matters is the ending of our story is still up to us. If we work together we can write the last chapter of our story.”
“Ontario is entering a critical juncture in our fight with COVID-19,” Minister of Health Christine Elliott added. “These numbers will serve as a call to arms. We must remain vigilant. We have been preparing for months, but we cannot do this alone. We are relying on every single Ontarian to join us in this battle.”
Ford once again stressed people remain home and only go out for essential needs such as groceries, warning the public that if preventative measures are not taken seriously, the province will be in serious trouble.
“What is the cost of a life? Is a life worth a picnic in the park? Is the life worth going to the beach? Is a life worth a few cold ones with your buddies in in the basement?” Ford said. “The answer is no. None of those things are worth a life.”
“I know how difficult it is, but please stay home. Help us write an ending to our story that our future generations can look back on and be proud of.”
