Police forces were seen blocking roads in Ontario, Canada on Tuesday (March 18) after Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Footage filmed in Waterloo showed police deployed on streets and a sign reading: "State of emergency declared, stay home, stay safe, public gatherings banned."

Ontario health officials confirmed eight new confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday bringing the provincial total of cases to 180.

Two of Canada’s provinces, Ontario and Alberta, declared states of emergency on Tuesday.

The state of emergency is expected to last until 31 March.

Police in Waterloo Ontario Canada block off streets to enforce state of emergency ban on gatherings of more than 50 people in Ontario due to COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, most people are observing the social distancing and social isolation protocols but some didn't and got into it with the cops and got arrested.

Details on state of emergency: https://www.kitchenertoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/ontario-declares-state-of-emergency-2172483

Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency Tuesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ordering the closure of bars, restaurants, theatres, libraries and banning public events with over 50 people.

"We're facing an unprecedented time in our history," Ford said. "This was a decision that was not made lightly. COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions."

The declaration's intent is to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and avoid overwhelming the health-care system, Ford said.

Effective immediately, the province ordered the closure of all facilities providing indoor recreation programs, all public libraries, all private schools, all licensed childcare centres, all theatres, cinemas and concert venues, and all bars and restaurants except to provide takeout food and delivery.

Ontario previously ordered all public schools closed for two weeks following March break.

The emergency order also bans public events of over 50 people, including parades,


Situation worsening rapidly with state of emergency in effect:
Matthew Pegg
@ChiefPeggTFS
·
32m
The @cityoftoronto
Emergency Operations Centre is now operating at Level 3. This is the highest level of EOC activation. Our EOC and #COVID19 Task Force are fully engaged in managing the pandemic in Toronto. @TorontoOEM
@TOPublicHealth