BREAKING: Stay-at-home order to be extended across Ontario, declaration of emergency to expire Feb. 9

According to a statement released on Monday, Ontario would be move to a regional approach, but would "gradually transition each region from the shutdown measures to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework."

"We're getting hit with new variants, and there are significant delays to getting our vaccine supply. My friends, this is a critical time. We can find a way forward, but we need a plan that continues to protect the health and safety of those in this province, while ensuring that more businesses can reopen, and getting more people back to work," said Ford.

"We can't return to normal, not yet. Not while our hospitals could still be overwhelmed, but we can transition out of the province-wide shutdown."

While the stay-at-home order will remain in place, Ford announced the declaration of emergency would not be extended past February 9, with shutdown measures would remain in the majority of regions in Ontario for the short time. Ford said there will be a "gradual and safe" transition for all regions for a revised and stronger COVID-19 framework outlined in detail on the Ontario website.

"For those business owners who are struggling, I want you to know that we listened," said Ford.

Under the revised framework, non-essential retail business will be allowed to reopen with stronger restrictions "including capacity limits, even in the gray lockdown zones."

Ford said he is "confident" in the new framework, saying there was a strong plan to stop the spread of new variants, adding that a spike in numbers, however, would prompt "further action if necessary."

"Let's keep small businesses open, lets keep the kids in school, and let's protect our most vulnerable," Ford concluded.