BREAKING: Ford orders the closure of all non-essential business in Ontario

Ford gave this order today in a press conference, where he said he is more than willing to extend this time period if it is necessary.

"The next 36 hours will give non-essential businesses the chance to prepare," said the Ontario premier.

"We're prepared to extend this order if necessary. This was a tough decision, but it was the right decision. The gravity of this order does not escape me."

"Every Ontarian must do their part. If you can, please stay home. You must self-isolate, I repeat, you must self isolate ... we must beat this virus."

The premier will be releasing a list of essential and non-essential businesses tomorrow.

Ford reassured Ontarians that with the proper measures in place, that there will be a sure level of normalcy to their day to days.

"The health and safety of every Ontarian must come first. And that's why we're taking these important steps. It means food will remain on the shelves, it means Ontarians will still have access to their medications and essential products. It means that power will still stay on and telecommunications will continue to run. But it also means that every Ontarian must do their part. If you can, please, stay home."

Ford also stressed that all snowbirds—those returning from winter destinations—must self isolate. "The health of your friends, your children, and your grandparents depend on this. You, and every Ontarian must do their part."

When asked specifically about whether construction sites woud close, Ford scolded large construction sites, telling them to "get their act together" and that conditions were "unacceptable."

"We want to work closely with the construction trade. We have a phenomenal relationship with them. But to put their workers, in some cases not all, in jeopardy by going into an outhouse and seeing it overflowing, not having proper water or hand sanitizer is unacceptable."

The premier would go on to warn construction companies that workers that feel unsafe at a workplace should "leave the site and don't come back." Ford said a list of industry shutdowns would be released Tuesday.

Ford also clarified that Ontario students would not be returning to class on the proposed date of April 6.