Toronto: Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, assured Ontarians that there is plenty of food available and that it will reach grocery stores to cover any shortage.
The statement was issued in a move to stem panic buying and hoarding in face of Covid-19 pandemic concerns.
“Rest assured, we have plenty of food that will continue to reach grocery stores on a regular basis,” the ministers said.
“Our food supply chain is one of the strongest in the world and our government remains committed to ensuring Ontarians can access healthy and nutritious Ontario-produced foods,” they said.
“The health and well-being of the people of Ontario is our government’s number one priority. Ontarians can be confident that our food supply is robust and that our distribution system will continue to operate and remain responsive to the needs of Ontarians,” they pointed out.
“Please practice normal grocery buying habits and rest assured that our grocery production and supply chain will continue to provide Ontarians with the food we enjoy each and every day,” they added.
Prison visits suspended
Out of an abundance of caution, the province says it is taking decisive action to protect the health and safety of correctional services staff and those in our custody.
“To reduce the possible transmission of Covid-19 in our correctional facilities, effective March 13, 2020 and until further notice, intermittent inmates who serve time on the weekends will be required to attend their reporting facility, where they will be given a temporary absence from custody and permitted to return home. Intermittent inmates have already been deemed low-risk by the courts and remain in the community Monday to Friday to live and work,” said a government statement.
“In addition, we are temporarily suspending personal visits within our adult correctional facilities across the province. This suspension will come into effect on March 14, 2020 and remain until further notice. Professional visits including legal counsel will continue.
“These measures are necessary to reduce any potential transmission of Covid-19. We are taking immediate action to ensure the safety of both our staff and those in our custody. We all need to stay vigilant and do our part to ensure the health and well-being of all Ontarians,” it added.