The premier of Canada's largest province, Ontario, declared a state of emergency this morning, banning public gatherings and closing restaurants among a spate of measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new measures, however, preserve key openings that will soften the blow for the transportation and logistics sector.

"It's absolutely critical that we keep the supply chain moving," Ontario Premier Doug Ford said during a news conference in Toronto. He spoke less than a day after the federal government announced extraordinary measures to tighten Canada's borders.

It is crucial that transportation and logistics companies with exposure to the foodservice industry, grocery and convenience stores remain open, and restaurants and bars can still operate takeout and delivery service. The city of Toronto meanwhile began allowing retailers to take deliveries 24 hours a day to facilitate restocking.

• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/canadas-largest-province-ontario-declares-165447720.html

• https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/covid-19-ontario-has-declared-a-state-of-emergency-what-does-that-mean/ar-BB11jjHr