INNISFIL, ONT. -- The newly issued stay-at-home order is swaying the opinions of some business owners who previously defied shutdown restrictions.

Still, the closures are a brutal hit for many local business owners. "I don't know how much longer I can go on," said Melissa Ferguson, salon owner.

Ferguson bucked the provincial orders to close this week but admitted things have changed. "If the government makes it a fair playing ground for everyone, then I'm willing to comply."

Christian Linkert has been openly vocal about challenging the province's rules but now said he'd had a change of heart. "We're going to close. I can't in good conscience stay open and risk my staff receiving charges."

The stay-at-home order takes effect Thursday at 12:01 am and remains in place until at least May 6.