The measure, which was due to end next Thursday, was extended by another two weeks on Thursday as COVID-19 case numbers and intensive care admissions remained high across the province. Border checkpoints will remain between Ontario and Quebec, including local crossings of the Ottawa River and the Highway 417-Autoroute 40 border.

UNE VERSION FRANÇAISE EST DISPONIBLE
Prolongation de l’ordre de rester à la maison en Ontario

Meanwhile, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has warned residents to beware of vaccine phone scammers. In a statement on Thursday morning, the health unit said some locals had received a phone call demanding financial information. The vaccine is free, and the EOHU urged anyone who received such calls to hang up immediately, and alert the police. Similarly, the EOHU asked residents to never allow anyone inside their home who was offering a vaccine in exchange for a fee.

The government also announced that children aged 12 to 17 will be eligible to book vaccines from May 31.

Active cases in the EOHU have remained below 200 since Monday, figures not seen since March 22. Updated data, as well as comments on the local situation, are expected at a media briefing later on Thursday afternoon.