The province has closed all outdoor recreational amenities. The order went into effect on Monday.
The government has extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces and restrictions on social gatherings.
A new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act means all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, are closed. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
The City of Greater Sudbury made a similar announcement Sunday, one day ahead of the province's order. Open spaces such as the Bell Park Boardwalk will remain open, but residents are encouraged to practice social distancing at all times.
"I made a commitment to be open and upfront about what we need to do as a province to beat this virus," said Premier Doug Ford.
"Based on the best medical advice available, we are taking further steps today to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians by closing outdoor recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, and extending our emergency orders to save lives. We all need to work together and do our part to stop COVID-19 by staying home, practising physical distancing, and avoiding social gatherings."
This new order closes all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and gardens and other outdoor recreational amenities.
Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walk through access, but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others. Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed.
"We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province" said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians' health and well-being."
"The health and well-being of Ontarians is a top priority of our government as we navigate through the COVID-19 health crisis,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I know our municipal partners are already taking action locally to protect their residents. This order makes the rules around closing shared outdoor recreational amenities consistent across the province."
To ensure the province is able to continue its extensive efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, Ontario will also extend the March 17 declaration of emergency and subsequent emergency orders, regulations and amendments issued under s.7.0.1 and 7.0.2(4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
