Households with more than five people, day-cares providing service to health-care and front-line workers are exempt.

TORONTO -- It is now illegal in Ontario to take part in organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people.

The provincial government took the action on Saturday in its effort to stop the further spread of COVID-19, at the guidance of Ontario's chief medical officer of health. The emergency order comes under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Private households with five people or more and child-care centres offering service to frontline health-care workers and first responders are exempt, but the number of people at each centre must not be more than 50.

Funerals can still take place, but a maximum of 10 people are allowed to be present at any given time.

"If we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19 now and keep our communities safe, we need to take extraordinary measures to ensure physical distancing," said Premier Doug Ford, in a release. "I strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its tracks."

It's a move based on the available science said Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott.

"We are acting on the best advice of our chief medical officer of health and other leading public health officials across the province," Elliott said. "These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people. Nothing is more important."

Organized public events include parades, events including weddings, social gatherings and communal services within places of worship. This order replaces a previous emergency order which prohibits organized public events of over 50 people.

Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency on March 17, 2020 and has issued orders to close non-essential workplaces, recreational programs, libraries, publicly funded schools, private schools, daycares, provincial parks, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants, except those that may only offer takeout or delivery. Essential services, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, public transit, manufacturing facilities, and supply chain companies remain open and operational.