Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is ordering more workplaces to close.
Provincial officials say as a temporary measure the Ontario government has revised the list of essential businesses. The updated list will direct additional businesses to close and restricts specified businesses to providing services by alternate methods such as curb side pick up and delivery, except in exceptional circumstances.
Provincial officials say this includes stores that sell hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products and repairs and safety supplies.
“We are facing a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19 and we must do everything in our power to keep everyone safe and healthy and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed,” stated Premier Doug Ford in a press release.
“Everyone must do their part to stop the spread and flatten the curve. If you are not an essential business, you need to close your doors, work from home if possible and play a role to help contain this outbreak. This is a matter of life and death.”
Provincial officials say this measure is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the people of Ontario, while ensuring that necessary goods and services remain available.
The government is ordering all businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order to close effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., Provincial officials say.
This closure will be in effect for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension as the situation evolves.
Teleworking, online commerce and other innovative ways of working remotely are permitted at all times and are strongly encouraged for all businesses.
All supply chains necessary for the production of vital food and healthcare supplies are being protected and remain intact, Provincial officials stated.
The updated essential businesses list can be found, here.
“We have now reached a critical time in our fight against COVID-19,” stated Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a media release.
“Every step taken by the province and every effort made by each of us to avoid close contact with others are the key to our success as a province to stop the spread of this virus.”
Only critical construction projects will continue, including industrial projects such as refineries and petrochemical plants and infrastructure projects such as new hospitals, roads and bridges, Provincial officials stated.
New starts in residential projects will stop, while residential construction that is near completion will continue, Provincial officials stated.
Business-owners with questions concerning their essential business status are encouraged to call the ‘Stop the Spread’ hotline at 1-888-444-3659.
The hotline is available from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 50 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“We recognize the toll this outbreak is taking on business owners and workers,” stated Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, in a media release.
“Ontario businesses are top of mind during this unprecedented time. We know that the only way to ensure the health of our businesses and our economy is to ensure the health of all Ontarians.”
The government is implementing additional measures to protect frontline workers in essential businesses by adding more than 60 special consultants and officers and doubling the number of phone agents at its Health and Safety Call Centre to 50 to make it easier for workers to report safety concerns.
Workers worried their workplaces are unsafe can phone 1-877-202-0008 to speak with an agent.
“If you’re a worker on the frontlines of this outbreak, you should know we’re doing everything in our power to keep you safe at work,” stated Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in a media release.
“We’re beefing up our inspectors and making it easier for you to report your concerns. We’re working around the clock.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Details, here.
For a list of local cancellations, postponement and further updates, click here.
