Toronto Mayor John Tory has declared a state of emergency in the city, mirroring the move made by the provincial government last week.
What that means is that Tory would no longer near council votes on issues, during the pandemic.
"It gives me the authority, under the emergency declaration, to do anything that the city council would do, but it doesn't expand city authority into areas where we don't have jurisdiction," says Tory.
We are declaring a State of Emergency as part of the City's ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead. pic.twitter.com/xsjZQ4Pnf8
— John Tory (@JohnTory) March 23, 2020
It also allows him to make temporary orders, like closing down parks and playgrounds, in an effort to keep people a safe distance away from each other.
“It allows me to have the flexible power to change things quickly if we have to based on the advice that I receive from the medical officer of health, or the senior public service or the emergency operations people,” Tory said.
It's believed to be the first time the city has announced a state of emergency.
Toronto had already requested that all non-essential businesses close in the city.