Ontario has issued a new stay-at-home order to help stop the surge in COVID-19 cases fuelled by variants.

Premier Doug Ford says hospitals in the GTA are reaching capacity and patients are already being sent to other places for care.

The stay-at-home order is province-wide and takes effect at midnight. It will last for four weeks.

Most retail will be restricted to curbside pickup only, including malls. In-person shopping will continue at grocery stores and pharmacies. Big box stores will remain open but will be limited to groceries and pharmacy sales only.

Garden centres will stay open both indoor and outdoor, with 25 % capacity.

Schools will remain open.