The provincial government is starting to reopen the Ontario economy.
Premier Doug Ford is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ford says “We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment. While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely.”
Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects.
Operations will be allowed to begin on Monday morning.
Those allowed:
-Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
-Lawn care and landscaping;
-Additional essential construction projects that include:
shipping and logistics;
broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;
any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;
municipal projects;
colleges and universities;
child care centres;
schools; and
site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
-Automatic and self-serve car washes;
-Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
-Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
-Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says “As we begin planning for the next phase of our fight against COVID-19, Ontarians should continue to stay home as much as possible to ensure we stop as quickly as possible the spread of the virus.
Meantime, Ty Alderdice a sales consultant at Half-Way Motors Nissan in Thunder Bay is excited about the news for car dealerships being able to allow test drives. He says previously “they were only being (allowed) to show the vehicle and that’s only half the battle. You could (only) give them numbers, you could (only) sit in the car but you (couldn’t) drive it, it was definitely a challenge.”
