DCN-JOC News Services

TORONTO — As Ontario Premier Doug Ford explicitly noted that the construction sector will remain in operation during an address Tuesday morning, executives in the sector joined other business leaders in encouraging cooperation and joint efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Ford announced a state of emergency during an 8:30 a.m. broadcast with institutions such as day cares and small recreation programs now shut down along with restaurants and bars. Gatherings of 50 or more are prohibited.

But construction and other sectors will not be subject to a mandatory shut-down, the premier said.

“We’re facing an unprecedented time in our history. This is a decision that was not made lightly,” Ford said at the Queen’s Park news conference.

The state of emergency does not constitute a “provincial shutdown” Ford said, adding, “The vast majority of businesses, including those most vital to day-to-day life, will not be affected by this order.”