Ford Says There's Nothing Confusing About The Stay-At-Home Order Despite Concerns
Doug Ford didn't mince his words when it came to Ontario's stay-at-home orders today.
He addressed Ontarians at the end of his Wednesday press conference to discuss the confusion that people may have about it.
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Folks, there is no confusion here. It's very simple. Stay home. That's it.
Premier Doug Ford
"If you're questioning, 'Should I go out?' You got the answer. Stay home," he continued.
"Restez a la maison," he added for French listeners.
Some Ontario officials, including Toronto Mayor John Tory, have called the instructions confusing.
"What is confusing, and I agree, is the fact that it is a stay-at-home order but other kinds of stores other than pharmacies and grocery stores are allowed to remain open," he told CP24 on Wednesday.
However, Ford's response to these officials is to "be responsible."
The province has clarified that residents are permitted to leave the house for groceries, healthcare services, exercise, and essential work.
In addition, a state of emergency has been reinstated in Ontario. The outdoor gathering limit was also reduced to five people.
Other measures, including shorter hours for non-essential retailers, and postponed in-person learning for some public health units, have been announced.
Non-essential retailers can remain open but must continue to offer curbside pickup or delivery only.
Big-box chains that sell essential as well as non-essential products, like Walmart and Costco, are allowed to remain open for in-person shopping.