All Of Ontario Is Reportedly Heading Back Into A 28-Day Shutdown

No, this isn't an April Fool's joke — Doug Ford is set to put Ontario back into a shutdown for an entire month, according to various outlets. However, what that would look like is not entirely clear yet.

Officials are set to enforce the "emergency brake," which means increased restrictions for the entire province beginning on Saturday, April 3, and continuing for 28 days, sources confirmed to CBC News.

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According to the government's explainer about the "emergency brake" shutdown measures, personal care services must close along with gyms and movie theatres, and outdoor gatherings must be limited to five physically distanced people.

Unlike in December, non-essential retail stores are expected to remain open, but only at 25% capacity.

However, the one detail that remains unclear is patio dining. Earlier, sources seemed to indicate to CTV News that patios will be closed, but CBC reports that the province's decision still remains unclear.

What are Ontario's shutdown restrictions?

Ontario’s shutdown restrictions — which are activated via an “emergency brake” protocol — are slightly more intense than the grey zone of the provincial framework.

Essential retailers — like grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies — are allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Indoor gatherings with non-household members are not allowed.

The province states that in this zone, indoor and outdoor/patio dining would be prohibited, but restaurants are allowed to keep running take-out and curbside pickup.

Again, it's not yet clear whether the rules around outdoor dining will be modified this time around.