If you are in a group of more than five people in Ontario, you are now breaking the law.
The Ontario government, under the advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer, is now restricting gatherings to five people or less to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The government says this is effective immediately, under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
However, there are some exceptions.
The government says private households of five people or more are exempt. It doesn’t apply to child care centres currently running for front-line health care workers and first responders such as police, fire or ambulance. However, those centres cannot exceed more than 50 workers. Funerals can still take place as long as there are 10 people or less.
“I strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its tracks,” stressed Premier Doug Ford.
The government adds organized public events include parades, weddings, social gatherings and church services.
This order replaces a previous emergency order prohibiting gatherings of 50 people or more.
