Ontario Extends COVID-19 Orders

By: Laura Steiner

The Province of Ontario has extended all orders currently in force dealing with COVID-19 until January 20, 2021.

“Safeguarding the health and well-being of Ontarians remains our top priority at every stage of our COVID-19 response,” Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said.  The extension is expected to cover the province until vaccines are widely available.  There has been one change for areas in stage one to allow for indoor farmer’s markets selling groceries to reopen.

“As we prepare to implement a safe and effective immunization program, extending these orders will ensure tools remain in place to address urgent public health situations until all Ontarians can be vaccinated,” Jones said. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) approved the first vaccine from Pfizer.  The province of Ontario has unveiled its plan to vaccinate front-line healthcare workers, as well as residents of long-term care homes first.  The first shipment of vaccine is expected to arrive Monday.