To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, the Ontario government
announced on April 23, 2020 that it is extending all Emergency
Orders made under section 7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management
and Civil Protection Act (the "Act") until
May 6, 2020. The declaration of the state of emergency in
Ontario was last extended on April 14, 2020, and remains in effect
until at least May 12, 2020. As of April 22, 2020, there were
12,879 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario.
The Emergency Order extension includes the continued closure of
non-essential workplaces, restaurants, bars, outdoor amenities in
parks and recreational areas, and public places. The Emergency
Order extension also continues the restriction on social gatherings
in Ontario to no more than five persons. Employers in essential
businesses should note that the size restriction on social
gatherings does not limit the number of employees who can work in
their workplaces. However, such employers should ensure that
