From the Windsor-Essex Health Unit March 17, 2020

As the number of cases of COVID-19 in Canada and Ontario continue to rise, increased risk mitigation strategies are being implemented by all levels of government.

Today the Ontario Government announced a state of Emergency and issues orders for the immediate closure (until March 31, 2020) of a number of establishments and businesses including:

• all bars and restaurants with the exception of takeout/delivery mechanisms
• all public libraries
• all private schools as defined in the Education Act
• all licensed daycares
• all churches and faith settings
• all theatres, including movie theatres
• all concert venues
• all public gatherings of more than 50 people

Please be advised that this is a provincial order and failure to comply will result in penalties under the Health Promotion and Protection Act. Individuals failing to comply with the order may be fined up to $5,000 for every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs. Corporations can expect a fine up to $25,000 every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs.

For questions on this matter, please reach out to the Environmental Health Department at 519-258-2146 ext. 4475.