Following on our previous blog last week entitled COVID-19 | Ontario Allows More Businesses To Reopen Soon, the Ontario government announced today plans for stage 1 to reopen the province, including allowing more businesses to reopen and/or relaxing restrictions on the delivery of goods and services.
While the reopening of more businesses is welcome news after eight weeks in quarantine, Premier Doug Ford warned that individuals must still continue to practice social and physical distancing, and businesses should only reopen if they are ready to comply with the strict public health guidelines. We cannot risk moving one step forward, but moving two steps back.
The following is a list of some businesses that may reopen or expand their services on the following dates:
May 16, 2020
- Golf courses may open to the public but clubhouses only for washroom access and restaurants only for take-out (previously, golf courses could only prepare to open to the public);
- Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open to the public (previously, marinas could only prepare for the recreational boating season);
- Private parks and campgrounds may open to prepare for the season and allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles that have a full season contract;
- Businesses that board animals may allow boarders to visit, care for or ride their animal.
May 19, 2020
- Retail stores with street entrances (not in shopping malls) may reopen provided they ensure physical distancing policies are in place (previously, these businesses could only offer curbside pick-up and delivery);
- Seasonal businesses and recreational activities for non-team sports, either training or competition, such as tennis, track and field and horse racing;
- Pet care services;
- Indoor and outdoor household services such as housekeepers, cooks, cleaning and maintenance provided public health guidelines are followed;
- All construction projects may resume, and workplace limits will be lifted;
- Certain health and medical services may resume such as in-person counseling, in-person or virtual services and scheduled surgeries.
We recognize that small businesses will continue to struggle during the slow and gradual re-opening of the Ontario economy. Please review our blogs on Small Business Relief Resources During COVID-19 / Coronavirus and COVID-19 | Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program.
If you require legal advice or legal representation in respect to small business issues, please contact us for an initial consultation. Our lawyers have expertise and experience in small business litigation matters and can assist you in resolving your legal issues and finding a practical solution in these difficult times.
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