Ontario Premier Doug Ford held a press conference on Tuesday, to give an update on measures the provincial government is taking to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ford announced that “non-essential” services would be shut down by midnight Tuesday. The government released a list that determines what is considered an essential service.
The list of essential services include food services, supply chains and maintenance. A complete list can be found at the Government of Ontario’s website
The list has come under fire for including locations such as the LCBO and Beer Store.
Premier Ford responded to those concerns by saying that different locations have different priorities.
“What may not be essential to downtown Toronto or urban areas, may be essential to rural Ontario, and the same goes for the other way around.”
Premier Ford also responded to scrutiny over construction sites for continuing to operate.
“When it comes to the necessities of life, shelter is at the top of the list.”
However, he did say that he would not hesitate to shut down any sites that do not follow new guidelines for construction sites.
“Let me be clear. If the industry does not take every step necessary to look after their workers. I will shut them down.”
Premier Ford also acknowledged that the situation is changing and there could be new measures implemented in the coming days or weeks.
Ford had another press conference on Wednesday that stated that the “essential services” list can be changed.
