Business guidelines during Provincewide Shutdown

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a Provincewide Shutdown that will go into effect as of Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m.

Additional restrictions will be put into place to reinforce that Ontarians should stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

Measures include, but are not limited to:

• Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
• Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings - curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
• Restricting indoor access to shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
• Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.

Complete details can be found in the following 28 page provincial document “Provincewide Shutdown Dec 21, 2020”. The document includes information on the Context for the Shutdown, Timing and Geographical considerations, Information on Health measures, Events and Gatherings Information, Ministry of Health Advice for Ontarians, Plan for a Return to the COVID-19 Response Framework, List of Public Heath Units in Southern Ontario (Appendix A) and List of Eligible Workers – Child Care Only (Appendix B).

Pages 11 – 23 identify restriction and status information (i.e. open or closed considerations) by sectors.

Should you have any inquiries about “Businesses Permitted to Open and Sector Specific Restrictions”, it is recommended that you contact the Business Information line at 1-888-444-3659.