'We all have a role to play,' says Hamilton medical officer of health as province orders restaurants, bars and theatres to close

OPEN DIGITAL ACCESS Mar 17, 2020 by Joanna Frketich The Hamilton Spectator

The province has declared a state of emergency and mandated restaurants, bars and theatres to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Hamilton's medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson has asked local businesses and groups to comply with the order, which includes indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, daycare centres, private schools, cinemas, concerts and parades.

"This decision is necessary to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases and spread to protect our family, our friends, the elderly and those with health issues," she said in a statement. "We all have a role to play."

The order came on St. Patrick's Day as the province aims to curtail all gatherings of 50 people or more.

"With today being St. Paddy's Day, which typically involves large gatherings and celebrations, I strongly encourage you to celebrate in moderation at home and practice social distancing to protect yourself and others in our community," said Richardson.

The closures will last until at least March 31 and leave out a number of sectors where people gather such as malls, factories and construction sites.

Restaurants are allowed to provide takeout only, which a number of local businesses had already started doing. Tim Hortons went drive-thru only starting today.

jfrketich@thespec.com

905-526-3349 | @Jfrketich

'We all have a role to play,' says Hamilton medical officer of health as province orders restaurants, bars and theatres to close

State of emergency declared in Ontario as indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, daycare centres, private schools, cinemas and concerts mandated to close.

OPEN DIGITAL ACCESS Mar 17, 2020 by Joanna Frketich The Hamilton Spectator

The province has declared a state of emergency and mandated restaurants, bars and theatres to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Hamilton's medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson has asked local businesses and groups to comply with the order, which includes indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, daycare centres, private schools, cinemas, concerts and parades.

"This decision is necessary to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases and spread to protect our family, our friends, the elderly and those with health issues," she said in a statement. "We all have a role to play."

The order came on St. Patrick's Day as the province aims to curtail all gatherings of 50 people or more.

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"With today being St. Paddy's Day, which typically involves large gatherings and celebrations, I strongly encourage you to celebrate in moderation at home and practice social distancing to protect yourself and others in our community," said Richardson.

The closures will last until at least March 31 and leave out a number of sectors where people gather such as malls, factories and construction sites.

Restaurants are allowed to provide takeout only, which a number of local businesses had already started doing. Tim Hortons went drive-thru only starting today.

jfrketich@thespec.com

905-526-3349 | @Jfrketich

'We all have a role to play,' says Hamilton medical officer of health as province orders restaurants, bars and theatres to close

State of emergency declared in Ontario as indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, daycare centres, private schools, cinemas and concerts mandated to close.

OPEN DIGITAL ACCESS Mar 17, 2020 by Joanna Frketich The Hamilton Spectator

The province has declared a state of emergency and mandated restaurants, bars and theatres to close to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Hamilton's medical officer of health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson has asked local businesses and groups to comply with the order, which includes indoor recreation facilities, places of worship, daycare centres, private schools, cinemas, concerts and parades.

"This decision is necessary to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases and spread to protect our family, our friends, the elderly and those with health issues," she said in a statement. "We all have a role to play."

The order came on St. Patrick's Day as the province aims to curtail all gatherings of 50 people or more.

Related Content

"With today being St. Paddy's Day, which typically involves large gatherings and celebrations, I strongly encourage you to celebrate in moderation at home and practice social distancing to protect yourself and others in our community," said Richardson.

The closures will last until at least March 31 and leave out a number of sectors where people gather such as malls, factories and construction sites.

Restaurants are allowed to provide takeout only, which a number of local businesses had already started doing. Tim Hortons went drive-thru only starting today.

jfrketich@thespec.com

905-526-3349 | @Jfrketich