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Mar 17, 2020 2:10 PM -

Ontario declares state of emergency amid COVID-19 outbreak

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People leave a COVID-19 assessment centre Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is declaring a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state of emergency prohibits organized public events of 50 or more people in Ontario until March 31.

Effective immediately, all public libraries, private schools, licensed child daycares, theatres, cinemas and other public venues in the province must close.

All bars and restaurants must close except to provide takeout food and delivery.

Essential services such as grocery stores and pharmacies will continue to operate.

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