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Apr 16, 2021 9:29 PM -

Stricter public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19 imposed in Ontario

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3M Canada President Penny Wise, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau make their way to an announcement at a facility in Brockville, Ont., on August 21, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Ontario is imposing stricter public health measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

Premier Doug Ford says a state of emergency is being extended for an extra two weeks, and outdoor gatherings will be limited to only members of the same household.

The province is also setting up checkpoints to restrict interprovincial travel.

Big-box stores will also have their capacity capped at 25 per cent, down from the current 50 per cent.

Ontario's solicitor general says the province is giving police sweeping new powers to enforce public health orders.

Sylvia Jones says officers will have the authority to ask anyone why they are out of the house, and ask for their home address.

She says police will also be able to pull over vehicles to check that occupants are only out for essential purposes.

Jones says the new authority will last for the duration of the stay-at-home order.

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