On Thursday, premier Doug Ford addressed the public as cases of COVID-19 in Ontario continue to grow. During his speech, Ford announced that he would be suspending all eviction orders until further notice. The premier announced that this is a way to reassure Ontarians that they don’t need to worry about losing their homes during the pandemic.

Ford states that until further notice, those who can't afford their rent will not receive an eviction notice.

“We are looking at every possible way to help workers and families impacted by reduced business hours and closures, we don’t want you to worry about your job. We also don’t want you to worry about how you’re going to make rent this month, that’s why I’ve directed that all evictions orders be suspended until further notice,” Ford said during his remarks.

“We want to make sure you and your family can stay in your home during this difficult time so you can put your health and the health of others first,” he added.

The Ontario government also announced that they will be permitting the use of expired or expiring driver licences, health cards, and photo cards.

The move will prevent residents from needing to renew their cards in person in the hopes of improving the province’s recent social distancing initiative.

"We have a responsibility to Ontarians to ensure that we take every possible step to enable social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19," explained Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health in a news release.

"By implementing these additional measures, Ontarians can avoid putting themselves at risk and will continue to have access to the services that they need, when they need them," she continued.

These new moves come after the Government of Ontario declared a state of emergency across the province on Tuesday.

Ford announced that all public gatherings over 50 people were to be shut down immediately. These closures included libraries, bars, theatres, private schools and restaurants.

However, the government has assured that all essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies and offices are to remain open.