Covid Announcements
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17
Yesterday, the Premier announced that Ontario will be moving to the next phase of reopening. Effective February 17, 2022, the following changes to public health measures will go into effect:
- Social gathering limits will increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
- Organized public event limits will increase to 50 people indoors, with no limit outdoors
- Capacity limits will be removed in the following indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including but not limited to:
- Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities
- Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms
- Cinemas
- Meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres
- Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
- Indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.
- Allowing 50% of the usual seating capacity at sports arenas
- Allowing 50% of the usual seating capacity for concert venues and theatres
- Indoor capacity limits will increase to 25% in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, as well as bathhouses and sex clubs
- Capacity limits will increase for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites, or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. Capacity limits are removed if the location opts-in to use proof of vaccination or if the service, rite, or ceremony is occurring outdoors.
- Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.
It was also announced yesterday that additional public health measures will be eased effective March 1 (provided that public health and health system indicators continue to improve) including the lifting of capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings and the lifting of the proof of vaccination requirements for all settings.
In addition, as of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, Ontario is expanding booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose. To book an appointment online, individuals must be 12 years old at the time of appointment.
You can find more information on the press release HERE
Emergency Act Invoked
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time, as a measure to deal with convoy protests. The Act gives the federal government the power to ban public gatherings in specific areas, take control of public services it deems necessary to deal with the situation, or issue fines and jail time for those who breach public orders.
You can read more infomariton about this HERE
Covid Travel Requirement Changes
The federal government has announced that as of February 28, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer require a PCR test when coming back into Canada. Travellers will still need to take a test prior to their arrival but it can be a faster rapid antigen test. Travellers may still be randomly selected for PCR testing upon arrival at the border, but will not be required to quarantine while waiting for test results.
The government is also lifting restrictions for children under the age of 12 who are not fully vaccinated while travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians. These children will no longer be required to isolate from school or daycare after travelling.
Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Portal is now Open
The Ontario Small Business Relief Grant provides a one-time payment of $10,000 to eligible small businesses that have been required to close indoor operations as a result of the province’s modified Step 2 restrictions that came into effect on January 5, 2022.
The application portal will be open from February 9 to March 11 for applications from:
• Newly established businesses
• Businesses that may not have previously applied to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021
• Businesses that were previously deemed ineligible but are now eligible.
In order to be eligible, applicants will need to confirm that they:
• Had fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021
• Were an active business as of January 14, 2022
• Were required to close indoor operations on January 5, 2022.
Eligible small businesses for the OSBRG include:
• Restaurants and bars
• Facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
• Racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
• Performing arts venues and cinemas
• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
• Meeting or event spaces
• Tour and guide services
• Conference centres and convention centres
• Driving instruction for individuals
• Before- and after-school programs.
You can apply for this grant
HERE
formation Ontario Extending COVID-19 Paid Sick Days until July 31, 2022
To date, the program has helped over 235,000 people stay safe without worrying about losing pay. The average number of days being claimed per employee is two. To support employers, Ontario will continue reimbursing them for providing this support to their workers.
Covid Releif Funding Programs
A reminder that there are Federal and Provincial funding programs for businesses:
