Ford extends Ontario’s emergency measures for another 10 days

"We are extending these emergency orders to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families as we begin to gradually and safely reopen our province," Premier Doug Ford said in a news release issued on Wednesday morning, according to CTV News.

"To build on the progress we have made to contain COVID-19, people should continue to follow these simple public health guidelines, practice physical distancing, wear a mask when it is a challenge to physical distance, and wash their hands regularly."

The province extended all emergency orders on May 19, including restrictions on outdoor playgrounds, public swimming pools, and bars and restaurants, save for takeout and delivery, until May 31. The first issuance of emergency orders was on March 17.

The new orders will now stay in effect until June 9.

Restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people and staff redeployment rules for long-term care facilities and congregate settings remain installed.

The province entered its first stage of recovery on May 19, which allowed retail stores with a street-front entrance to begin operating again and permitted some outdoor recreational amenities, including some sports facilities, to reopen.

Ontario has recorded 26,191 coronavirus cases to date, with 2,123 deaths and 19,958 recoveries. More than half of those have been in long-term care homes.

Though the province initially declared a state of emergency on March 17, it has been extended to June 2.