ONTARIO – The province of Ontario is working on increasing the number of COVID-19 tests from the current 2,000 people a day to 5,000 people a day. 

Premier Doug Ford says right now they’re doing 2,000 tests for the novel coronavirus each day and soon will be able to do up to 5,000 daily tests in Ontario. Ford says they are taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, build capacity in the health care system and are sparing no expense for Ontarians.

Ford says a lot has happened since the state of emergency was declared on Tuesday (March 17). He wants to thank everyone for practicing social distancing and doing their part to flatten the curve. Ford says the announcement by the Prime Minister this morning to invest billions of dollars to support the economy and help businesses and employees is good news.

“I want to thank the prime minister and his team, for their announcement of $27 billion along with $55 billion in tax deferrals. These new emergency programs will help families and workers, including those who are self-employed or part time,” Ford said.

The premier says the issues we face today will not be what we face tomorrow.

On Tuesday the province of Ontario declared a state of emergency. As a result the following services have been closed:

• all bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout and food delivery
• all facilities providing indoor recreational programs
• all public libraries
• all private schools
• all licensed child care centres
• all movie cinemas
• all theatres, including those offering live performances of music, dance and other art forms
• all concert venues
• All organized public events of over 50 people are prohibited, including parades, events and communal services within places of worship. 

These orders will remain in place until March 31, 2020, when the province will reassess for an extension or end the closures.