Today, Tuesday, January 12, the Ontario government announced a stay-at-home order and declared a second state of emergency for the province, in addition to further restrictions and enforcement under the current province-wide lockdown.

The stay-at-home order is effective as of this Thursday, January 14 at 12:01 a.m. The state of emergency is effective immediately and will be re-evaluated by the Province in 14 days.

Here's what you need to know now:

Stay home

Residents must limit close contact to those in their immediate household and stay home as much as possible, except for essential purposes. This includes work (where it is not possible to work from home), grocery shopping, exercise or medical appointments.  

Under the emergency declaration, tickets may be issued by Ontario Provincial Police, DRPS, by-law officers , Durham Public Health, and provincial workplace inspectors to individuals who do not comply with the additional public health restrictions 

Please continue to follow public health advice: maintain physical distancing, properly wear a mask, wash your hands, and if sick, stay home. Download the Government of Canada's COVID Alert app on your mobile device.

Reduced gathering limits

Under these new restrictions, outdoor organized public and social gatherings are further reduced to 5 people. There are no indoor organized public and social gatherings permitted, except with members of your same household.

In addition, public health officials are now recommending the use of masks outdoors when physical distancing (of 6 feet) isn’t possible. This is in addition to the currently mandated use of masks in all indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open.

Businesses

Under the new restrictions, all non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.

Any business with questions about the impacts of these new measures is encouraged to call 1.855.216.3090 or visit ontario.ca/covidsupport for more information.

More information

For more information on the Government of Ontario's emergency declaration or stay-at-home order, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/.

For more information on the Town’s response to COVID-19, visit whitby.ca/reopening.

The Town thanks residents and businesses for their cooperation and for continuing to do their part to help keep themselves and others safe.