"It's really in the hands of Canadians to make the decision about whether or not this disease goes on an exponential rate or on a flattened curve where we can truly meet the needs of each patient."

Rural health-care providers and small-town politicians are pleading with snowbirds and city-dwellers to stay at their primary homes during the COVID-19 pandemic rather than self-isolating in more remote locales.

Ford said rural areas may have more difficulty replenishing essential items if there is an added demand. He also cited lower hospital capacity in rural areas if treatment is needed.

Ontarians will get emergency alerts sent to their cellphones, radios and TVs at 2 p.m. Friday, warning recent travellers to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For the businesses that were told to close, several police services in the province, including those in Halton Region, Toronto and York Region, are offering varying levels of support.

The Ontario government announced several measures aimed at helping residents, businesses, and the health care sector.

The package was split into two parts: $7 billion in direct supports and $10 billion in business tax and other tax-related deferrals.

Finance Minister Rod Phillips said Wednesday's update will have a significant focus on Ontario's response to COVID-19. He said it will also outline health care resource funding and supports for businesses.

Jeremy Hedges started INKSmith four years ago selling educational toys for design thinking and coding to schools. He said he never imagined he would be using that equipment to manufacture personal protective equipment.

"At this time, health authorities continue to assure us that the risk of grocery shopping is low, but we must all take care."