In a press conference today, Premier Doug Ford has announced that all non-essential businesses will be required to close as of 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.  A list of businesses designated as essential should be provided by tomorrow. The mandatory closure will be in effect for a minimum of 14 days, with the possibility of a further extension.

In addition to healthcare and emergency services, essential businesses, which will be allowed to stay open, are expected to include grocery stores, pharmacies, power and telecommunications, among many others.  It is not yet clear the extent to which construction sites will be required to close.

Premier Ford also confirmed that details surrounding what compensation or relief, if any, will be made available to businesses arising from this mandatory closure should be made available on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Stay tuned for more updates as further details are released.