Ontario blasts out emergency alert as stay-at-home order takes effect

The province hasn't defined what "essential" means under the order, saying everyone has their own unique circumstances and regional considerations.

"Workers don't have to have proof from employer that they're travelling to/from work".

The Ontario Government has declared a State of Emergency and issued a formal stay-at-home order for the Province's residents.

On Wednesday, Premier Ford's office tried to clear up some questions regarding the order.

And on Thursday morning, the province issued a news release outlining exactly what the ban entails.

In other words, sheriffs will not actively enforce evictions for the next 28 days, but landlords can still seek eviction orders, hearings will still be held, and tenants will presumably be removed from their homes as soon as the moratorium is lifted.

"The message from the Toronto Police Service is to stay home and stay safe".

Some of the exemptions for leaving your home include medical appointments, grocery shopping, exercising, school and child care.

Officers may order a location to temporarily close if they believe an organized public event or gathering is happening there, and that the number of people attending exceeds the current gathering limit.

The full provincial order can be found here.

It also clarifies that being outside is not evidence of a failure to comply with the order and people do not have to explain why they are out of their homes.

"This is no longer strictly a public health issue, it is a matter of public safety", Deputy Chief Myron Demkiw said.

Ontarians caught violating the stay-at-home order could face a fine and prosecution under the Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Emergency Management (EMPCA).