Businesses across the province are bracing for another wave of COVID-19 restrictions beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, Jan. 5th) to help curb the spread of the new Omicron variant and keep hospitals open for emergency care.
There are currently over 970 active COVID-19 cases in Grey-Bruce, with 9 people hospitalized, according to the local health unit.
The new legislation, announced yesterday by Premier Doug Ford, will affect almost all Brockton businesses, large and small, with the following measures in place for at least 21 days, until Jan. 26, 2022:
- Businesses must allow employees to work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
- Indoor dining at restaurants will be prohibited. Take-out, drive-through and delivery services are permitted.
- Retail operations will be restricted to 50% capacity.
- Personal care services may operate at 50% capacity
- Indoor meeting and event spaces, concert venues, theatre, cinemas, horse racing, fitness facilities and other indoor facilities will be closed.
Additionally, social gatherings will be restricted to 5 people indoors and 10 outdoors, and schools will return to online learning until at least Monday, Jan. 17th.
Hospitals will be pausing all non-urgent surgeries and procedures to preserve critical care spaces and staff capacity.
Where Can We Get Vaccinated?
- Clinics will be held at the Walkerton Community Centre on January 6th and 8th, and February 3rd and 17th. No appointments are needed for first and second shots. For booster shots and immunizations for children ages 5-11, you can book online, or call 1-833-943-3900.
- About 76% of eligible residents in Grey-Bruce (age 5 or older) are fully vaccinated, with at least 2 doses. About 29% have received 3 shots.
Will My Business Be Compensated?
- The province plans to expand the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program, offering property tax and energy cost rebates to eligible businesses, including restaurants, retailers and other small businesses. Those that are mandated to fully close for the next 3 weeks, such as restaurants and gyms, will get full rebates, while those subject to capacity limits will get partial refunds, according to the government website. The program will be launched later this month. For more information call the Ministry of Finance at 1-866-668-8297.
- The provincial government is also suspending interest and penalties for six months, from January 1 to July 1, 2022, on most provincially administered taxes.
Where Can We Get Rapid COVID-19 Tests for Employees?
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Free rapid antigen test kits are available to businesses and organizations that are allowed to be open under the current COVID-19 guidelines, and require employees to be on site. They are not for customers or the public.
