Big Box Stores Are Prohibited From Selling Non-Essentials In Ontario's Stay-At-Home Order

They can only sell groceries, cleaning supplies and other essentials.
Ontario Editor

Doug Ford has just announced that all of Ontario will be under a stay-at-home order starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m. 

While stores that sell groceries, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods will be allowed to stay open, there are some new restrictions. 

Editor's Choice: A Month-Long Stay-At-Home Order In Ontario Is Expected To Be Announced Today

According to the government, big box stores will be prohibited from selling anything other than essential goods. 

Groceries, household cleaning supplies, pharmacy items and pet care are some of the few items that these stores will be able to supply to customers. 

Shopping malls and other non-essential stores will be able to remain open for curbside pick-up and delivery only. 

What other stores will remain open? 

According to the government, grocery stores, pharmacies and other spots that sell essential goods can remain open to in-person shopping. 

On top of this, some other retail stores are allowed to remain open including safety supply stores, optical stores and businesses that sell motor vehicles. 

However, shoppers can only access these shops by making an appointment in advance. 

How long will the stay-at-home order last? 

Doug Ford stated that the provincewide order will last for at least four weeks. 

During this time, all residents are being told to stay home unless they are making essential trips to work, school, get groceries or exercise. 

The move has been made in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

  • Allysha Howse was the Ontario Editor for Narcity Canada. Based in Toronto with seven years of experience as a leading journalist, she has been able to bring breaking news to readers across the country. Over the past year, she has been able to help Narcity reach record-breaking growth and bring original Ontario-focused stories to the fingertips of millennials. Allysha specialized in Books and Media Studies at the University of Toronto and has publications in Snapd Media.

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