Recovery Phase

On April 27, the Ontario government released A Framework for Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria health experts will use to advise the government on loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. Despite these relaxed measures, everyone must remain vigilant in ensuring the outbreak continues to trend downwards. Physical distancing and proper hand hygiene remain very important.

Reopening Businesses and Public Spaces:

There is no hard date for reopening the province. Reopening will be gradual and occur in stages. Each stage will last at least two to four weeks. At every point Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health will be able to tighten certain restrictions, extend the stage or advise that the province can move into the next phase. Everyday actions to protect people's health, like physical distancing, frequent hand washing and staying home when ill, will continue through each stage.

• Stage 1 - In the first stage, Ontario will consider:
  • opening select workplaces that can meet current public health guidelines
  • allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people
  • opening some outdoor spaces
  • continued protections for vulnerable populations
  • offering of some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services by hospitals
• Stage 2 - In the second stage, Ontario will consider:
  • opening more workplaces with significant mitigation plans
  • opening more public spaces
  • allowing some larger public gatherings
  • continued protections for vulnerable populations
• Stage 3 - In the final stage, Ontario will consider:
  • opening all workplaces responsibly
  • relaxing restrictions on public gatherings
  • continued protections for vulnerable populations

As of Monday May 4^th, the Province has indicated the following list of businesses can operate and open under strict guidelines:

• Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
• Lawn care and landscaping;
• Additional essential construction projects that include:
  • 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; and
  • site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
• Automatic and self-serve car washes;
• Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
• Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
• Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

May 8 at 12:01 a.m. garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases

May 9 at 12:01 a.m. hardware stores and safety supply stores will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases

May 11 at 12.01 a.m. retail stores with a street entrance can provide curbside pick-up and delivery

The government is also allowing below-grade multi-unit residential construction projects to resume work.

Provincial parks and conservation reserves will open for limited day-use on May 11 with remaining areas on May 15. At this time, recreational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Day visitors will also be able to access all parks and conservation reserves for free until the end of the month.

Guidance for Conducting Business Safely

Guidelines are available for essential businesses currently in operation and for businesses to prepare to gradually reopen when they are able to do so. Monitor provincial and local information for updates regarding what types of businesses and activities are permitted in accordance with the current stage of recovery. For more information, see Information for Re-opening Businesses

General and sector-specific guidelines include actions employers can take to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect their workers and customers.

Visit the Government of Ontario’s resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace webpage to find sector-specific guidelines and posters.

Health and Safety Association Guidance Documents for Workplaces During the COVID-19 Outbreak  from the Government of Ontario and Health and Safety Associations. These technical documents further support employers and employees in remaining safe in the workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Visit the Business, Employee and Organization section of our website to learn more.

Advice about Face coverings:  As Ontario re-opens public settings, it will become more difficult to maintain physical distancing at all times. The Grey Bruce Health Unit recommends all employees and members of the public wear cloth masks or face coverings while at work or in public settings.

The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory:  To support business-owners, workers and the economic recovery of the province, the government has launched a website to provide businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory has an up-to-date list of Ontario companies and business associations that are ready to supply personal protective equipment.