Certain businesses to reopen soon in Ontario
Published May 1, 2020 at 5:40 pm
We’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, says Minister of Finance Rod Phillips.
The province announced today that certain businesses will be allowed to reopen on the condition that they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
As part of the first stage of the province’s reopening framework (which the government released earlier this week), the following businesses will be allowed to resume operations starting at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 4:
- Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only
- Lawn care and landscaping
- Automatic and self-serve car washes
- Auto dealerships, open by appointment only
- Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season but are not yet open to the public
- Marinas may begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but are not yet open to the public
Additionally, certain construction projects deemed essential will be allowed to resume on the same day, such as projects involving:
- shipping and logistics
- broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure
- any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services
- municipal projects
- colleges and universities
- child care centres
- schools
- site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development
“We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely.”
Videos
In partnership with Ontario’s health and safety associations, the government says it has developed more than 60 COVID-19 guidelines and sector-specific measures to help employers prepare their workplaces so they can be reopened safely.
On top of opening select workplaces, the first stage of the province’s reopening framework involves allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people, opening some outdoor spaces, and continuing protections for vulnerable residents. More details on these measures are expected soon.
While businesses begin to reopen, the province says it is critical that people continue to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing, and only go out for essential reasons such as picking up groceries, prescriptions, or going to a medical appointment.
“While we have made tremendous progress in our shared battle against this new virus, we are not done yet. We need to keep up the fight by continuing to practice physical distancing and good hygiene habits,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising