In response to increased rates of COVID-19, including hospitalizations, the Province announced today that a Province-wide shutdown would take effect as of December 26th at 12:01am. As a result, the existing COVID-19 Response Framework will be on pause. 

The lockdown will be in place for the following timelines and be re-evaluated:

• 14 days in Northern Ontario
• 28 days in Southern Ontario 

The following are a sampling of measures to be applied:

• Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
• Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings - curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
• Restricting indoor access to shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
• Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.

Schools will also move to remote learning. Schools in public health units in Northern Ontario to continue remote learning until at least January 11th, 2021. Elementary schools in Southern Ontario public health units will continue remote learning until January 11th, 2021 and secondary schools until at least January 25, 2021. 

Child care centres, authorized recreational and skill building programs and home-based child care services will remain open.

In addition the Province is rolling out a High Priority Communities Strategy which will provide $12.5 million to support lead community agencies and community partners in 15 priority neighborhoods in Durham, Peel, Toronto, York and Ottawa. An additional $42 million is to be made available to establish isolation centres. 

Ontario News Release
High Priority Communities Strategy