In a May 6 press release, Premier Doug Ford said: “We haven’t been sitting on our hands. Whether it’s releasing our framework for reopening or putting in place the workplace safety guidelines needed to help businesses adapt to the new environment, we’ve been laying the groundwork for the safe, measured and gradual reopening of our province. As the trends improve, we can move forward with reopening more and more of our economy and getting people back to work.”
The government’s announcement said that as early as May 8 at 12:01 a.m., garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases, operating under the same guidelines as grocery stores and pharmacies. Hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases as soon as 12:01 a.m. May 9. On May 11 at 12:01 a.m., retail stores with a street entrance can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and occupational health and safety requirements.
The province said it is also expanding essential construction to allow below-grade multiunit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums to begin and existing above-grade projects to continue.
Businesses must follow public health measures and should review the workplace safety guidelines, such as promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts and using contactless payment options to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“It’s due to the progress we have made collectively to slow the spread of COVID-19 that we are able to see a gradual easing of restrictions, allowing certain businesses to reopen safely,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “During this period, we must move cautiously and strike the right balance between getting people back to work and preventing further outbreaks. Protecting the safety of staff, customers and the general public is our number one priority.”
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with Ontario’s health and safety associations, has released over 60 sector-specific health and safety guidelines, including guidelines for curbside pickup and delivery services. Business owners should review the guidelines and consult with local public health officials to ensure they have the information they need to protect workers, customers and the general public as the province prepares for the gradual reopening of the economy.
The government’s Framework for Reopening our Province, which was released on April 27, includes guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces, and the criteria Ontario’s chief medical officer of health and health experts are using to advise the government on the loosening of public health measures, including emergency orders.