Ontarians have won a reprieve on renewing their driver’s licences, health cards and licence plate stickers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The extension means people whose government cards expire now or in the near future won’t have to renew them until an unspecified date approved by the chief medical officer of health.

Premier Doug Ford announced the change Thursday to allow people to socially distance themselves.

“The Ministry of Transportation is also automatically extending the due dates for medical or vision reports, which both reduces the need for in-person visits, but also ensures that patients do not need to visit their doctors, helping the health system to focus on containing COVID-19,” the government said in a statement.

Extensions are being granted for Ontario driver’s licences, driving instructor licences, Ontario Photo Card, Enhanced Driver’s Licence, and also the requirement to register a vehicle or address change.

“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,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said in a statement.

“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.”

Evictions in Ontario are also on hold during the coronavirus crisis.

“We don’t want you to worry about your job,” Ford said. “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 eviction orders be suspended until further notice.”

Jenessa Crognali, spokesman for Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey, said Tribunals Ontario has determined that no eviction orders will be issued.

“Today the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Justice granted an order suspending the eviction of tenants and homeowners from their residence until the resumption of normal court operations, after an urgent application was made by the Attorney General,” Crognali said Thursday. “We will continue to work with tenants, landlords, the Tribunal and all of our partners to ensure we get through this crisis.”

aartuso@postmedia.com