Ontario Extends Reopening Ontario Act Orders

In Provincial

COVID-19 orders are needed to protect vulnerable populations and preserve health care capacity

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is extending most orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) for another 30 days.

Most of the orders under the ROA are extended to February 19, 2021, with the exception of O. Reg. 75/20 (Drinking Water Systems and Sewage Works) which is not being renewed. O. Reg. 82/20 (Rules for Areas in Stage One) was amended to ensure government infrastructure projects are able to continue as essential construction activities.

“Extending these orders ensures the necessary tools remain in place to help respond to the disturbing increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, and provide safeguards for Ontarians, especially our vulnerable populations,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Our government will continue to take the actions needed to preserve our health care capacity and protect Ontarians until everyone can be vaccinated.”

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the Ontario government declared a second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).  A stay at home order came into effect Thursday, January 14, 2021, as well as enhanced authorities for enforcement personnel. Individuals and corporations who do not abide by orders under the EMCPA or the ROA can be fined. The set fine amounts are: $750 for individuals who fail to comply with an order; $1,000 for corporations who fail to comply with an order; and $1,000 for anyone who prevents an enforcement officer from exercising their powers or performing their duties to enforce the orders. If convicted, maximum fines for committing an offence range from $100,000 for an individual to $10 million for a corporation, and for an individual, penalties could include up to a year in jail.

The list of orders under the ROA and the EMCPA can be found online on the Government of Ontario’s website. Throughout the period of the declared emergency, orders under the ROA remain in effect, along with orders under the EMCPA.


Quick Facts

  • Under the ROA, orders can be extended for up to 30 days at a time, and the government must report on all order extensions to the Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.
  • The ROA requires the Premier to table a report on any amendments or extensions of any orders within 120 days after the first anniversary of the ROA coming into force.

Additional Resources

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

Join Our Newsletter!

Want to keep up to date on news and events in Northumberland? Subscribe to newsletter!

You may also read!

Video – Cobourg and Port Hope Police Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Special Olympics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDRYnhkjakM It was a great day for a (quick) dip in the waters of Lake Ontario for the annual Cobourg

Read More...

HKPR District Health Unit – Fight the Bite! Tips to Combat Ticks and Lyme Disease

Preventative tips to keep you and your family safe outside. Warmer weather is coming, and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge

Read More...

Cobourg Police – Ajax Man Charged with Theft (No Name Released)

A 35-year-old Ajax man was arrested for theft after police responded to a call Monday morning. On Monday, March 25,

Read More...

Mobile Sliding Menu

Terms | Privacy |