Another province-wide shutdown is on its way, but this time, construction won’t be impacted.

Premier Doug Ford announced on December 21 that the entire province would go into lockdown for at least 14 days—and as many as 28 days in some regions—in an effort to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control.

The shutdown goes into effect shortly after midnight on Boxing Day, and will last through January 9 for Northern Ontario, and be extended through January 27 for those 27 public health units in Southern Ontario.

"The number of daily cases continue to rise putting our hospitals and long-term care homes at risk," said Ford. "We need to stop the spread of this deadly virus. That's why, on the advice of Dr. [David] Williams [Ontario’s chief medical officer of health] and other health experts, we are taking the difficult but necessary decision to shutdown the province and ask people to stay home."

This latest shutdown is not as drastic in scope as measures put in place in March and April. While it significantly curtails public and social gatherings, prohibits in-person shopping in most retail spaces, and closes down restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, it also leaves many businesses able to operate. Construction, for example, is allowed to continue to operate with no restrictions. That is a sharp contrast to the spring lockdown when only work on those projects deemed essential could continue.

The province has provided a complete list of those businesses that can—and cannot—continue to operate during the latest shutdown. The Chief Medical Officer of Health is advising Ontarians to stay home as much as possible with trips outside the home limited to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, or supporting vulnerable community members. Employers in all industries should make every effort to allow employees to work from home.

Ontario has consistently counted more than 2,000 COVID-19 cases each day since December 15. Escalating case counts have led to increasing hospitalization rates and capacity challenges in many large urban hospitals—particularly those in the Toronto and Peel regions— which has resulted in new disruptions to scheduled surgeries and procedures.

The shutdown aims to cut that caseload in half at least.

"This was not an easy decision before the holidays, but we have reached a tipping point," said Health Minister Christine Elliott. "We continue to see sharp increases in hospitalizations and occupancy in intensive care units is reaching concerning levels. Urgent action must be taken to prevent our health care system from becoming overwhelmed. By implementing a provincewide shutdown, we can work to stop the virus in its tracks, safeguard hospital capacity, and save lives."