Ontario issues emergency alert telling recent travellers to stay home

Ontario issues emergency alert for travellers Ontarians received emergency alerts to their cellphones, radios and TVs at 2 p.m. Friday, warning recent travellers to stay at home.

TORONTO — Ontarians received emergency alerts to their cellphones, radios and TVs at 2 p.m. Friday, warning recent travellers to stay at home.

The alert told travellers returning to Ontario that they are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days as they are at high risk of spreading COVID-19.

"DO NOT visit stores, family or friends."

The message said that everyone should stay home to help stop the spread of the virus.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says Ontario is using every tool to ensure people are well informed about the steps they should take.

The federal government recently passed an order requiring people arriving in Canada by land, air or sea, to self-isolate for 14 days, with penalties of up to $1 million or three years in prison.