Even though public health officials have urged all non-essential businesses to close, and to practise social distancing, hundreds of people lined up outside of an EB Games in downtown Toronto to get their hands on two new releases. The TTC has no plans to shut down completely, and will continue to move passengers around the city. Plus small, family-run restaurants like Gayley's Cafe are seeing a drastic drop in business, and could face closure as early as next week.

Health officials praised Toronto bars and restaurants for following their recommendations to close in order to promote social distancing. Two TV broadcasters will be airing the Raptors' historic NBA championship run, for 24 consecutive nights, starting Friday. Plus, how Canada's largest food rescue agency, Second Harvest is helping those in need, and filling the gaps caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse shared a PSA on hand-washing while he is in self-isolation. Ontario now has 23 new cases of coronavirus, with 104 under investigation here in Toronto. Distilleries, like Reid's in Leslieville are now making disinfectants, and are giving them away for free to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Other businesses, like Grey Tiger in Bloordale Village have been forced to close to abide by recommendations from health officials, and the Ontario government.

Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in the province today. Ontario marked its first death related to COVID-19, and the provincial total has risen to 186 confirmed cases. Public health officials recommended the closure of all bars and restaurants with the exception of take-out and delivery, and encouraged everyone who can, to stay home. Drag bar Crews & Tangos may not be demolished after all. Plus, how much business one Toronto hotel lost in just one week due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Many local bars and restaurants are announcing their closure due to concerns over COVID-19, in an effort to promote social distancing. Mayor John Tory announced a task force to help the city's economy during this time, and also mitigated Toronto's noise bylaws to allow for 24-hour retail deliveries. As of Monday morning, Ontario is showing the second highest one-day jump, with 32 new confirmed cases, for a total of 177, with 5 listed as resolved. Plus, don't forget to take a calming breath or two.

Research teams from Sunnybrook, U of T, and McMaster have isolated what they refer to as the agent responsible for the ongoing outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Shoppers Drug Mart has been accused of hiking prices on toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The federal government will introduce a fiscal plan in the coming days to help Canadians affected by all of the cancellations and suspensions. Plus, when you’re ready, Bar Mordecai on Dundas West serves classic highballs, and is inspired by the aesthetic of Wes Anderson

In an unprecedented move, all publicly funded schools in Ontario will close to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Health officials in the province also confirmed 17 news cases of coronavirus in the biggest one-day jump we've seen so far. Professional sports leagues have been suspended, the NBA is recommending the Raptors self-isolate, Live Nation is postponing current touring arena shows for the rest of March, and mobile food ordering app, Ritual is apologizing for an insensitive email.

The number of people being investigated for coronavirus has jumped by 2000% in less than 24 hours, with 41 cases now confirmed in Ontario, including one patient who attended a downtown convention last week. If necessary, the city might introduce drive-thru assessments for COVID-19. Woody Harrelson is replacing Jason Stathum in a new movie with ties to Toronto. Plus, Meat & Pie Co. is a new barbecue joint on King West that is totally halal.

Public health officials confirmed coronavirus cases 35 and 36 in Ontario today, and one of the patients is a man from Toronto. For those experiencing symptoms, or with recent travel history to countries labelled as affected areas, there is a process in place for getting tested, and later this month, Michael Garron Hospital in East York will open a COVID-19 assessment centre. Plus, Osteria Rialto and Bar Biltmore make the perfect pairing for a show at Paradise Theatre.

The new Ontario license plates have caused nothing but problems since they rolled out last month, and finally Doug Ford’s government is admitting their mistake, and reverting back to a design similar to the old ones. If the coronavirus worsens, the Toronto Raptors could be playing to an empty Scotiabank Arena, and more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the province, bringing the total up to 34. Plus, bare market is an affordable, package-free grocery store and cafe on the Danforth.