DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
DURHAM/KAWARTHA: The Ontario provincial government has extended the provincial COVID-19 state of emergency until mid-July. On Wednesday, June 24th, the government announced they’ve extended the Declaration of Emergency until July 15th. “As we gradually and safely reopen our economy, our front-line care providers can continue to rely on these emergency orders, to better protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens and provide the flexibility to put resources where they’re needed most,” Premier Doug Ford said, in a press release. “We are hopeful that another extension of the Declaration of Emergency will not be needed, as we see improvements in the public health trends and as people and businesses continue to act responsibly and adapt to the new environment.” The declaration extension allows the government to keep their emergency orders in place, until the state of emergency expires. “These measures continue to be needed to protect seniors and other vulnerable populations from the threat of COVID-19. The extension of the Declaration of Emergency will allow the province to make or amend emergency orders, as needed, as it continues to ease restrictions in support of its phased reopening,” a press release from the government of Ontario explained. The province had previously extended the declaration to June 30th. The declaration of emergency has been in place since March 17th.