Premier Doug Ford announced today that the Province of Ontario has extended all emergency orders under the the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 6.

The extension is in place to help contain the spread of COVID-19. It includes the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings.

"We are making steady progress in our battle against this deadly virus, but we are not out of the woods by a long shot. It is absolutely necessary to extend these emergency orders to continue keeping all Ontarians safe and healthy," said Ford. "Every effort made by each of us to stay home, practice physical distancing and wash your hands has been, and will continue to be, the key to stopping the spread of this virus."

The extension means that construction work on all but essential projects remains suspended.