Today, the Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown, with all Regions moving to the
Grey - Lockdown level under the
COVID-19 Response Framework, Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. This change will take effect at 12:01 AM on Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26, 2020) and will last a minimum of 28 days in Southern Ontario.
Read t
he media release HERE.
Premier Ford noted that the Province will be conducting a review of existing provincial business support programs and increased funding for small businesses, but he did not provide a timeframe for the review or additional funding.
Grey - Lockdown stage offers specific measures based on sector:
Gatherings and Close Contact
It is illegal to gather indoors with anyone you do not live with. You must limit contact to your household (the people you live with) and stay at least 2 metres apart from everyone else. Do not visit any other household or allow visitors in your home. If you live alone, you can have close contact with only one other household.
All events and social gatherings:
- Indoors: not allowed, except with members of your household (or one other household if you live alone)
- Outside: 10 people
Religious, wedding and funeral services:
- Indoors: 10 capacity
- Outside: 10 people
Only go out for essential reasons, such as:
- Work
- School
- Groceries
- Pharmacy
- Health care
- Helping vulnerable people
- Exercise and physical activity
Work remotely, where possible.
Rules for All Businesses
All open businesses must:
-
Screen employees (for example, using the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces - PDF)
- Limit capacity so guests can stay at least 2 metres apart
- Ensure anyone indoors wears a mask or face covering, including workers who have to come within 2 metres of anyone else
- Ensure workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects their eyes, nose and mouth when they have to come within 2 metres of anyone who is not wearing a mask or face covering or separated by plexiglass
- Clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces, such as equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms, and showers frequently
-
Create a safety plan and have it available upon request (for example, to inspectors or law enforcement officers)
Restaurants, Bars and Other Food and Drink Establishments
Services available:
- Take-out
- Drive-through
- Delivery service
Closed:
- All indoor and outdoor service
Sports and Recreational Fitness Facilities
Closed (limited exceptions, for example, day camps and child care).
Meeting and Event Spaces
Closed for meetings and events (limited exceptions, for example child care, mental health and addiction support services).
Retail
Services available:
- Online ordering
- Curbside pick-up
- Delivery
In-person shopping available for:
- Supermarkets
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Hardware stores
- Other retailers selling groceries
- Beer, wine, and liquor stores
- Pharmacies
- Safety supply stores
- Outdoor markets, including farmer’s markets and holiday markets
- Garden centres, plant nurseries, by appointment only
- Motor and recreational vehicle, by appointment only
Malls open only for:
- Pick-up or delivery
- Access to businesses that are allowed to have in-person services (for example, pharmacies, dentists)
- Take-away from food courts
50% capacity limit for all in-person shopping.
Personal Care Services
Closed
Casinos, Bingo Halls, and Gaming Establishments
Closed
Cinemas
Only drive-ins allowed
Performing Arts Facilities
No audiences allowed. Rehearsing, recording or broadcasting an event or performance is allowed (for example, streaming a performance to an online audience). Everyone must stay 2 metres away from each other, except when needed for the performance. There must be a barrier (for example, plexiglass) between singers and wind- or brass-instrument players and other performers.
