What to do when non-essential Red Zone stores are open but officials say 'don't go': CBC Asks

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said last week "If you live in a red 'control' region please only leave the house for essential purposes.

That's good advice to stop the spread of COVID-19, but if people shouldn't leave the house why are non-essential business still open?

Inside the province's red zones should more businesses be shut down? Should the government be telling people to stay home while allowing small businesses to stay open without financial support? Have the messages from provincial leaders been confusing around COVID-19?

Join our Facebook Live event at noon on Thursday with Jim Watts co-owner of Vagabond Saints Tattoo Lounge and Spa. He wonders why the province would allow his business to stay open — then tell people not to go there. He'll join Hamilton's associate medical officer of health, Dr. Ninh Tran.

CBC's Conrad Collaco interviews Watts and Dr. Tran live at noon on Facebook this Thursday. You can also watch live on this page.  

Be a part of our live chat. Send your questions and comments to us by email at [email protected] or on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.