The rules are part of tightened COVID-19 restrictions filed Wednesday, after Ontario entered a state of emergency to try and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.

Residential Construction Council of Ontario president Richard Lyall says the exception is important because the province has not been producing enough housing to meet demand.

Premier Doug Ford said the state of emergency will be in effect for at least 28 days.

The Ministry of Transportation says preparatory construction and engineering work for both highways is underway.

The project will also include seven interchanges including a new multilevel interchange where new Highway 7 meets Highway 85.

"It makes no sense to ban gatherings of 5 or more people in most circumstances, but still have hundreds of workers reporting to construction job sites."

The government said Sunday the province has updated guidance to "help employers better understand their responsibilities" in keeping construction workers safe amid COVID-19.

"I've got an 86-year-old at home ... My wife is crying every time I go home because she doesn't know [if] I'm going to kill her father if I have something."