Ontario Premier Declares State of Emergency to Fight Coronavirus

(Bloomberg) -- The premier of Canada’s most populous province declared a state of emergency to help fight the coronavirus as the number of cases spiked.

Premier Doug Ford unveiled the “first stage” of C$300 million ($212 million) relief fund for the province, the heart of Canada’s financial and manufacturing sectors.

“No expense will be spared to support Ontarians in need,” Ford said at a news conference in Toronto. Some C$200 million of that will come from the federal government and Ford is urging continued action to help cushion the blow, including a loan program for small business and immediate employment insurance support.

The state of emergency puts legal force behind what officials have been urging. It means the the immediate closure of facilities such as libraries, private schools, and theaters. Bars and restaurants will be shut, though they will be allowed to offer takeout or delivery.

All organized public events of more than 50 people are also prohibited, including parades and religious services.

The emergency funds will be funneled into protective equipment for health workers, long-term care homes and residential facilities, among other things.

‘Critical’ Supply Chain

The moves from Ford are the latest in an increasingly tight clampdown to fight the virus, with daycares and schools also closing across the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday said Canada will deny entry to all foreigners, except for Americans, starting March 18.

Economists say the sharp reduction in activity will likely tip the economy into recession. Officials say they are working to keep goods keep flowing across the border.

“It’s critical we keep the supply chain open,” said Ford. “Absolutely critical.”

Ontario, with 177 cases, and British Columbia, with 103, have about two-thirds of the 424 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Canada as of Monday evening.

To contact the reporters on this story: Jacqueline Thorpe in Toronto at jthorpe23@bloomberg.net;Danielle Bochove in Toronto at dbochove1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Derek Decloet at ddecloet@bloomberg.net

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