In an unprecedented move, a State of Emergency has been declared in Toronto.

(City News)

Mayor John Tory says the decision was made on the advice of the city’s medical officer of health and the Office of Emergency Management.

He strongly encourages residents to continue taking every precaution – stay at home, stay safe and only buy essential supplies once a week.

The mayor adds the next few days are absolutely crucial in our going efforts to slow down the spread in COVID-19.

”This declaration sends the strongest possible message that I can as the mayor of the city of Toronto to our residents to stay home and please, to change their behaviour.”

Tory also continues to ask all non-essential businesses to close – as the medical officer of health has urged – and as the province has ordered.