Ontario extends lockdown

On May 13, the Ontario government announced it is extending the province's Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021. During that time, authorities plan to finalize a plan to phase out the restrictions and open vaccination enrolment to adolescents 12 to 17 years old as of May 31. They will be offered the Pfizer vaccine, approved for this age group. Vaccination will also open during May for all people 18 years of age and older.

"While we are seeing positive trends as a result of the quarantine measures, we cannot afford to be complacent just yet," said Provincial Premier Doug Ford. — We have to be careful not to increase the pressure on hospitals and intensive care units. If we continue to vaccinate a record number of Ontarians every day over the next two weeks, we can expect the kind of summer everyone deserves."

Authorities are optimistic about vaccination, despite Ontario having previously halted use of AstraZeneca vaccine due to serious side effects. The plan is to immunize at least one dose to 65% of the population by the end of May. Currently, at least one dose of 50% of residents over the age of 18 have been vaccinated.

Cases in Ontario have declined in recent weeks, but infection rates are still high, so it's too early to talk about lifting restrictions. According to Christine Elliott, the provincial health minister, the situation in hospitals is still tense, and new variants of the virus are a cause for concern.

A "stay at home order" requires Ontarians not to leave home without a good reason. You can go to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor's office, immunizations, work (if remote work is not possible), and exercise outside. All existing restrictions will also remain in effect until June 2:

• Wearing masks and keeping a social distance is mandatory;
• day-care centres and childcare centres operate with enhanced security measures;
• school pupils continue to study remotely;
• secondary businesses are closed, cafes and restaurants can operate take-out and delivery, stores can dispense pre-made orders;
• enterprises of the first necessity operate with limited capacity (25%);
• Indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited (those who live alone are allowed to have contact with one family);
• at weddings, funerals and religious services, no more than 10 people may be present;
• employees whose presence is not required must work remotely.