The COVID-19 lockdown for our region is set to end on Tuesday, Feb. 16, with retailers, and perhaps other businesses, being allowed to reopen.
Until that date, the lockdown and stay-at-home orders will remain in place for all but three health units east of the GTA. (Three others, in Peel, York Region and Toronto, will remain locked down for an additional week).
The province will return to its regional-based COVID-19 Response Framework using a colour-coded system for each health unit (Green - prevent, Yellow - protect, Orange - restrict, Red - control, Grey - lockdown) to determine what businesses can safely reopen, and the restrictions that must be in place for each.
We await our placement under the revised framework for the Grey-Bruce Health Unit area. The type of businesses that will be allowed to reopen will be dependent on the colour code assigned.
If our region is placed in the Green, Yellow or Orange zone, for example, many businesses will be allowed to reopen, including retailers, restaurants, salons, and gyms, with specific restrictions for each.
Further restrictions will be in place for businesses in Red or Grey zones.
Regardless of the zone, upon reopening all businesses will be required to have a screening system in place for staff, and to post signs at entrances informing individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering. All employees must be actively screened. Businesses will also be required to have a workplace safety plan in place.
The provincial government has also introduced an "emergency brake" that will allow for immediate action if a public health unit region experiences rapid acceleration in COVID-19 transmissions or if its health care system risks becoming overwhelmed.
The Municipality of Brockton will provide more information to businesses as soon as it becomes available.
