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Government of Ontario Stop the Spread Business Information Line
Businesses who have questions about closures of workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Businesses who have questions about closures of workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Headlines
Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 7, 2021
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.
Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. As Ontario's health care capacity is threatened, the Stay-at-Home order, and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will work to preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations and save lives.
Retail
In addition, the province is also strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. Measures include, but are not limited to:
Read the full list of businesses that can open and relevant restrictions
Workplace Inspections
Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job. There have been 19,500 COVID-related workplace inspections and investigations across the province since the beginning of 2021. During those visits, over 450 COVID-19 related tickets have been issued and OHS inspectors have issued over 14,446 OHS orders and stopped unsafe work related to COVID-19 a total of 24 times.
Rapid Testing
Rapid testing continues to be deployed in workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. Approximately 5.4 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 100 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program. To encourage the use of these tests under the program, additional outreach will occur to employers in regions with highest rates of transmission to increase access to testing, and the process for enrollment in the screening program will be streamlined to allow for quick access to these supports.
Education
Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.
In addition, beginning next week, education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs across the province, and all education workers in select hot spot areas, will be eligible to register for vaccination. Vaccinations will commence during the April break starting with priority neighborhoods in Toronto and Peel, then rolling out to priority neighborhoods in other hot spot regions, including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. This will be followed by a rollout across the province as supply allows.
Read the full release
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 7, 2021
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). These measures are being taken in response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission, the threat on the province's hospital system capacity, and the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants.
Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. As Ontario's health care capacity is threatened, the Stay-at-Home order, and other new and existing public health and workplace safety measures will work to preserve public health system capacity, safeguard vulnerable populations, allow for progress to be made with vaccinations and save lives.
Retail
In addition, the province is also strengthening public health and workplace safety measures for non-essential retail under the provincewide emergency brake. Measures include, but are not limited to:
- Limiting the majority of non-essential retailers to only operate for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., with delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6:00 am and 9:00 pm, and other restrictions;
- Restricting access to shopping malls to limited specified purposes, including access for curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, with one single designated location inside the shopping mall, and any number of designated locations outside the shopping mall, along with other restrictions;
- Restricting discount and big box stores in-person retail sales to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only;
- Permitting the following stores to operate for in-person retail by appointment only and subject to a 25 per cent capacity limit and restricting allowable hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. with the delivery of goods to patrons permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.:
- Safety supply stores;
- Businesses that primarily sell, rent or repair assistive devices, aids or supplies, mobility devices, aids or supplies or medical devices, aids or supplies;
- Rental and leasing services including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;
- Optical stores that sell prescription eyewear to the public;
- Businesses that sell motor vehicles, boats and other watercraft;
- Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services; and
- Retail stores operated by a telecommunications provider or service, which may only permit members of the public to enter the premises to purchase a cellphone or for repairs or technical support.
- Permitting outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, to operate with a 25 per cent capacity limit and a restriction on hours of operation to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Read the full list of businesses that can open and relevant restrictions
Workplace Inspections
Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job. There have been 19,500 COVID-related workplace inspections and investigations across the province since the beginning of 2021. During those visits, over 450 COVID-19 related tickets have been issued and OHS inspectors have issued over 14,446 OHS orders and stopped unsafe work related to COVID-19 a total of 24 times.
Rapid Testing
Rapid testing continues to be deployed in workplaces for asymptomatic staff in key sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain, mining, construction and food processing. Approximately 5.4 million rapid antigen tests have been sent to over 1,150 workplaces, including 100 essential industry sites, under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program. To encourage the use of these tests under the program, additional outreach will occur to employers in regions with highest rates of transmission to increase access to testing, and the process for enrollment in the screening program will be streamlined to allow for quick access to these supports.
Education
Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.
In addition, beginning next week, education workers who provide direct support to students with special education needs across the province, and all education workers in select hot spot areas, will be eligible to register for vaccination. Vaccinations will commence during the April break starting with priority neighborhoods in Toronto and Peel, then rolling out to priority neighborhoods in other hot spot regions, including York, Ottawa, Hamilton, Halton and Durham. This will be followed by a rollout across the province as supply allows.
Read the full release
Ontario Helps Farmers and Agri-food Operators Keep Workers Safe During COVID-19
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 8, 2021
The Ontario government is providing $10 million to allow more farmers and agri-food operators to purchase personal protective equipment, enhance cleaning and disinfection and redesign workstations to better protect workers. This announcement is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario's Action Plan: Protecting People's Health and Our Economy.
Under the new Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, farms and agri-food businesses that hire three or more employees will be eligible for funding. Additional businesses and workers will be eligible including corn detasselers, transporters, hatcheries, and primary processing (e.g., cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to prevent food from spoiling before it reaches consumers).
The funding will help farmers who experience unexpected costs for short-term or temporary housing and transportation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among on-farm employees. In addition, increased flexibility has been built into the program to ensure it can respond to emerging issues and risks.
Detailed program information and application forms will be available when the intake opens on April 22, 2021 and cover costs retroactive to March 13, 2021. Applications will be accepted while funding is available or until November 30, 2021. The approval process has been simplified and will be expedited to help support workplace health and safety in the agri-food sector.
Last year’s Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program (EAWPP) committed $26.6 million to help farmers and other agri-food places with expenses related to protecting workers against COVID-19.
Ontario is encouraging the use of rapid antigen point-of-care tests by agri-food businesses, including primary agricultural production, food and beverage processing and key distribution centres. Businesses who are interested in participating can contact omafra.labour@ontario.ca for more information on how to join this free program.
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 8, 2021
The Ontario government is providing $10 million to allow more farmers and agri-food operators to purchase personal protective equipment, enhance cleaning and disinfection and redesign workstations to better protect workers. This announcement is part of the 2021 Budget, Ontario's Action Plan: Protecting People's Health and Our Economy.
Under the new Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, farms and agri-food businesses that hire three or more employees will be eligible for funding. Additional businesses and workers will be eligible including corn detasselers, transporters, hatcheries, and primary processing (e.g., cutting, cleaning, packaging, storage and refrigeration of raw plant foods to prevent food from spoiling before it reaches consumers).
The funding will help farmers who experience unexpected costs for short-term or temporary housing and transportation as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak among on-farm employees. In addition, increased flexibility has been built into the program to ensure it can respond to emerging issues and risks.
Detailed program information and application forms will be available when the intake opens on April 22, 2021 and cover costs retroactive to March 13, 2021. Applications will be accepted while funding is available or until November 30, 2021. The approval process has been simplified and will be expedited to help support workplace health and safety in the agri-food sector.
Last year’s Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program (EAWPP) committed $26.6 million to help farmers and other agri-food places with expenses related to protecting workers against COVID-19.
Ontario is encouraging the use of rapid antigen point-of-care tests by agri-food businesses, including primary agricultural production, food and beverage processing and key distribution centres. Businesses who are interested in participating can contact omafra.labour@ontario.ca for more information on how to join this free program.
Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake
All 34 Public Health Unit Regions to Move into Shutdown
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 1, 2021
The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
Measures include, but are not limited to:
The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the provincewide emergency brake comes into effect. During the emergency shutdown, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The spring break will continue as planned for the week of April 12. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.
Learn about the “emergency brake” shutdown measures to interrupt transmission of COVID-19.
All 34 Public Health Unit Regions to Move into Shutdown
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, April 1, 2021
The provincewide emergency brake will be effective Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and the government intends to keep this in place for at least four weeks.
Measures include, but are not limited to:
- Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings to a 5-person maximum, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
- Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, including a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers' markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail including big box stores, along with other public health and workplace safety measures;
- Prohibiting personal care services;
- Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take-out, drive-through, and delivery only;
- Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (e.g., gyms) with very limited exceptions;
- Requiring day camps to close; and,
- Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies to 15 per cent occupancy per room indoors, and to the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. This does not include social gatherings associated with these services such as receptions, which are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.
The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the provincewide emergency brake comes into effect. During the emergency shutdown, schools will remain open for in-person learning with strict safety measures in place. The spring break will continue as planned for the week of April 12. In order to support working families, child care will remain open during the shutdown. Child care settings will continue to adhere to stringent health and safety measures so that they remain safe places for children and staff.
Learn about the “emergency brake” shutdown measures to interrupt transmission of COVID-19.
Province Adjusting Capacity Limits for Select Activities
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 19, 2021
In regions in all levels of the Framework: Effective Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits for weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies, will be adjusted to allow for the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance. This change does not apply to social gatherings associated with these services, such as receptions.
Targeted enforcements are being applied, with an enhanced focus in public health regions identified in the Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels. This includes conducting field visits to check for compliance with the Reopening Ontario Act.
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 19, 2021
In regions in all levels of the Framework: Effective Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits for weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies, will be adjusted to allow for the number of individuals that can maintain two metres of physical distance. This change does not apply to social gatherings associated with these services, such as receptions.
Targeted enforcements are being applied, with an enhanced focus in public health regions identified in the Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels. This includes conducting field visits to check for compliance with the Reopening Ontario Act.
2021 Ontario Budget: Highlights for Business
From Ontario's Action Plan: Protecting People's Health and Our Economy
Doubling the Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Enhancing the Digital Main Street Program
Introducing the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program
Encouraging Residents to Vacation within Ontario when it is Safe
Supporting Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations
Standing Behind Ontario’s Arts Community
Providing More Opportunities to Enjoy Ontario Parks
Providing Financial Relief for Resource‑Based Tourism Businesses
Investing in Sport and Community Infrastructure
Supporting Local Alcohol Producers
Protecting and Supporting the Agri-Food Sector
Accelerating Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan
From Ontario's Action Plan: Protecting People's Health and Our Economy
Doubling the Ontario Small Business Support Grant
- Providing a second round of Ontario Small Business Support Grant payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible recipients. Small businesses who are confirmed eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will be automatically entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they received. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding.
Enhancing the Digital Main Street Program
- In June 2020, Ontario, in partnership with the federal government, announced the Digital Main Street platform, a $57 million program designed to help up to 22,900 Ontario businesses create and enhance their online presence.
- Ontario is investing an additional $10 million in the Digital Main Street program in 2021–22 to help more small businesses achieve a digital transformation and serve customers effectively online. The program will continue to provide digital transformation grants, an online learning platform, training programs, and Digital Service Squads offering technical support to small business owners.
- This grant will provide an estimated $100 million in one‑time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses.
- Examples of Eligible Businesses for the Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant
- Hotels
- Motels
- Travel Agencies
- Amusement and Water Parks
- Hunting and Fishing Camps
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (e.g., children’s overnight summer camps)
- Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced a minimum 20 per cent revenue decline and have less than 100 employees to qualify. Any small businesses that received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not be eligible for this new grant.
- Applying online will be easy.
- Further details can be obtained at Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.
Introducing the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program
- A new $100 million initiative for 2021–22 to help tourism operators, anchor businesses and attractions recover from the impacts of COVID‑19. This initiative will provide support for historically successful businesses that have helped to drive employment and visitation in their regions by assisting with costs related to restructuring, safe reopening, recalibrated marketing activities and partnership development.
Encouraging Residents to Vacation within Ontario when it is Safe
- The government has set aside $150 million and intends to introduce legislation for a tax credit to encourage residents to explore Ontario when public health experts advise that it is safe to travel.
Supporting Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations
- Ontario is committing to supporting tourism across the province through increased funding of up to $15 million for the Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) in 2021–22.
Standing Behind Ontario’s Arts Community
- The government is increasing its investment in Ontario’s arts community by $10 million in 2021–22. With support from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), this increased investment will assist with significant costs incurred when preparing for activities and events that could not go forward in 2020–21. It will also help with financial impacts that occurred from the loss of box office revenue and venue rental income, as well as new costs related to health and safety, and digital or virtual programming. It will also support jobs at the local level for musicians, writers, painters, actors, dancers, stagehands and many others who support Ontario’s arts and culture industry.
Providing More Opportunities to Enjoy Ontario Parks
- Ontario is encouraging visits to provincial parks by offering free day‑use entry on Mondays through Thursdays, from May 1 to September 2 this year.
- Ontario will also invest an estimated $3.9 million over three years to enhance the provincial park experience by using technology to better connect the people of Ontario with a one‑stop shop to help them find recreational opportunities that fit their location and interests. The province and local businesses will collaborate to develop ideas to bolster Ontario’s tourism economy and create new ways to enjoy provincial parks.
Providing Financial Relief for Resource‑Based Tourism Businesses
- Eligible Commercial Outpost Camps and hunting and fishing outfitters would receive another year of relief from certain rents and fees, providing approximately $1.3 million in financial assistance. This relief will help with the recovery of the sector by supporting businesses that employ residents and contribute to local communities.
Investing in Sport and Community Infrastructure
- Ontario is investing around $200 million to provide infrastructure funding to larger, strategic projects and to sports facilities through the newly established Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure Fund. This fund will help address some of the unmet demand under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), which received more applications than could be funded under that program. The fund will also support the sport and recreation sector, which was one of the hardest hit sectors during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- The Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure Fund is delivered through two streams. The Priority Local Infrastructure stream will support new build multi‑purpose facilities for community, culture and recreation purposes.
- The Sport and Community Renewal stream provides funding to support the renovation and rehabilitation of sport and community infrastructure.
Supporting Local Alcohol Producers
- To support the recovery and sustainability of Ontario’s wine and agri‑tourism industry, the government is providing a one‑time $10 million grant in 2021 to help wineries and cideries impacted by lockdown measures, and help ensure that agricultural production and local jobs are maintained in Ontario’s rural communities.
- The government is also increasing funding for the Small Distillery Support Program by an additional $1.2 million in 2021–22 to help small distillers recover from the impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- In addition, the government is extending the funding to 2022–23 for the following programs:
- VQA Wine Support Program ($7.5 million);
- Small Cidery ($1.8 million) and Small Distillery Support Programs ($0.8 million); and
- Marketing, Tourism and Export Development; Performance Measurement and Research and Innovation Development Initiatives ($5.3 million).
Protecting and Supporting the Agri-Food Sector
- The Province is investing $10 million in 2021–22 for a one-year extension to the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program announced in June 2020. This will support the implementation of measures to prevent and control COVID‑19 and to address unforeseen worker health and safety issues.
Accelerating Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan
- Investing $2.8 billion to connect homes, businesses and communities to broadband — which COVID‑19 has demonstrated is a necessity, not a luxury — bringing the Province’s total investment to nearly $4 billion over six years beginning 2019–20.
Extension of Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to Help Small Businesses
On March 22, the federal government announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
The extension will allow more businesses to access the support they need as Canada’s economy continues to deal with localized public health restrictions and, for a number of businesses, reduced opening hours or reduced demand for services. Extending the application deadline to June 2021 also aligns CEBA with the timelines of other federal government support programs for business.
Learn more about the CEBA
On March 22, the federal government announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
The extension will allow more businesses to access the support they need as Canada’s economy continues to deal with localized public health restrictions and, for a number of businesses, reduced opening hours or reduced demand for services. Extending the application deadline to June 2021 also aligns CEBA with the timelines of other federal government support programs for business.
Learn more about the CEBA
Chamber Issues Letter to Premier Doug Ford
Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce News Release, March 23, 2021
PETERBOROUGH: Businesses in Ontario need a uniform and equitable set of safety standards to govern their ability to serve their customers through this public health crisis.
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Brampton Board of Trade, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Milton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Board of Trade, and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce have all jointly sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford asking for the Province to adopt the Responsible Business Protocol.
The protocol asks the Province to issue restrictions on a business’ ability to serve its customers based on its adherence to health and safety protocols for each business sector instead of a perception of essentiality. At the heart of the protocol is the understanding that compliance with safety standards is an integral part of running a business. It impacts every size and sector, from retail and restaurants to construction and manufacturing.
“We’ve had a year to learn and develop better ways of enacting restrictions for the business community,” says Stuart Harrison, President and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “We see the Responsible Business Protocol as a way to bring in public health restrictions equally across business sectors and give businesses the stability they need to continue adapting and investing.”
Read the Letter
Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce News Release, March 23, 2021
PETERBOROUGH: Businesses in Ontario need a uniform and equitable set of safety standards to govern their ability to serve their customers through this public health crisis.
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Brampton Board of Trade, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Milton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Board of Trade, and Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce have all jointly sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford asking for the Province to adopt the Responsible Business Protocol.
The protocol asks the Province to issue restrictions on a business’ ability to serve its customers based on its adherence to health and safety protocols for each business sector instead of a perception of essentiality. At the heart of the protocol is the understanding that compliance with safety standards is an integral part of running a business. It impacts every size and sector, from retail and restaurants to construction and manufacturing.
“We’ve had a year to learn and develop better ways of enacting restrictions for the business community,” says Stuart Harrison, President and CEO of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “We see the Responsible Business Protocol as a way to bring in public health restrictions equally across business sectors and give businesses the stability they need to continue adapting and investing.”
Read the Letter
Dining Capacity Limits Adjusted
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 19, 2021
To support the province's economic recovery, the government is cautiously adjusting dining capacity limits at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, for regions in the Grey-Lockdown, Red-Control and Orange-Restrict levels of the Framework, effective Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
For regions in Red-Control levels (Peterborough), capacity limits for indoor dining will be adjusted and based on a standard, scalable calculation that will allow for up to approximately 50 per cent of the indoor dining area to be accessible to the public, subject to physical distancing rules. The total occupancy cannot exceed 50 patrons in Red-Control.
Please view the regulations for full details.
To ensure the continued safety of patrons and workers, public health and safety measures in indoor and outdoor settings would be strengthened in the Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels in the Framework. These measures include, but are not limited to:
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 19, 2021
To support the province's economic recovery, the government is cautiously adjusting dining capacity limits at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, for regions in the Grey-Lockdown, Red-Control and Orange-Restrict levels of the Framework, effective Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
For regions in Red-Control levels (Peterborough), capacity limits for indoor dining will be adjusted and based on a standard, scalable calculation that will allow for up to approximately 50 per cent of the indoor dining area to be accessible to the public, subject to physical distancing rules. The total occupancy cannot exceed 50 patrons in Red-Control.
Please view the regulations for full details.
To ensure the continued safety of patrons and workers, public health and safety measures in indoor and outdoor settings would be strengthened in the Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels in the Framework. These measures include, but are not limited to:
- Limiting tables for indoor dining to members of the same household with exemptions for patrons who live alone and caregivers; and
- A sign posted by the establishment in a location visible to the public that states the maximum capacity (number of patrons) they are permitted to operate under.
Ontario Announces New Grant Program for Non-Profit Tourism, Culture, Sport and Recreation Organizations
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 16, 2021
The Community Building Fund will be administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) through two program streams:
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 16, 2021
The Community Building Fund will be administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) through two program streams:
- The $55-million operating funding stream will provide community non-profits with the support they need to help sustain their operations and create new experiences and events - such as trail systems, heritage attractions, winter activities and local sport and recreation programming - that are critical to the economic and social well-being of their communities.
- The $50-million capital funding stream will go to municipalities and non-profit organizations to carry out sport- and recreation-facility infrastructure repairs, including retrofits and rehabilitation to meet COVID-19 public health protocol requirements and local community needs.
- Arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities are eligible to apply for the Community Building Fund streams. For more information, eligibility requirements and deadlines, see here.
- For organizations interested in applying for the Community Building Fund, OTF will provide support via webinars and information sessions, as well as one-on-on coaching calls.
Ontario Announces Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 10, 2021
The Ontario government announced the new Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force. It will be chaired by former MPP and Cabinet minister Tim Hudak, and give expert advice and recommendations on how to help the province's $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mandate of the voluntary task force includes providing strategies and advice that will help position Ontario and its local communities as destinations of choice for travel, as well as identifying products and experiences that enhance destination development. It will also offer a forum for sector partners and leaders to share ideas, collaborate, and provide advice and information to the minister on approaches to support the economic recovery of Ontario's tourism industry. The tourism sector supports more than 400,000 jobs provincewide.
The task force will deliver a report with its recommendations to the minister in spring 2021.
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 10, 2021
The Ontario government announced the new Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force. It will be chaired by former MPP and Cabinet minister Tim Hudak, and give expert advice and recommendations on how to help the province's $36-billion tourism industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mandate of the voluntary task force includes providing strategies and advice that will help position Ontario and its local communities as destinations of choice for travel, as well as identifying products and experiences that enhance destination development. It will also offer a forum for sector partners and leaders to share ideas, collaborate, and provide advice and information to the minister on approaches to support the economic recovery of Ontario's tourism industry. The tourism sector supports more than 400,000 jobs provincewide.
The task force will deliver a report with its recommendations to the minister in spring 2021.
Peterborough Public Health Region to Move to Red-Control Level Effective March 8th at 12:01am
Peterborough Public Health News Release, March 5, 2021
On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will move into the Red—CONTROL level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework to prevent the possibility of further spread of COVID-19 cases and Variants of Concern (VOCs).
“As the number of variant cases spread, I am hoping that the Red zone measures will provide our community with the extra protection we need to contain COVID-19 and keep our most vulnerable residents safe,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “There is a real risk that the variants linked to the local outbreaks could spread further out into the community, so I am urging everyone to continue doing their part to follow public health measures and help us avoid going into lockdown.”
Here are some highlights of the following measures that are now required under the Red-CONTROL level:
While there are some changes to certain business operations in the Red-CONTROL level, the regulations required for individuals remain the same, such as wearing a mask, and maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres from non-household members in any public business or facility.
“The onus is not only on businesses and organizations. Every individual is responsible for wearing their masks and maintaining 2-metres physical distance from non-household members when they visit businesses open to the public. The only exception to this requirement is for personal caregivers,” stated Ms. Ingram. “Residents are also required to respect the additional measures local businesses will be implementing and continuing to follow good public health protocols, such as limiting shopping trips to one person per household, and staying home if COVID-19 symptoms appear and getting tested.”
All businesses and organizations are advised to review the requirements of the COVID-19 response framework and the governing regulation – O. Reg. 263/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 2 for their pertinent sector. Many of the general public health measures applicable to all businesses and organizations remain the same, including completing COVID-19 safety plans, actively screening employees, passively screening all customers and members of the public, and ensuring compliance by staff and the public for mandatory masks and face coverings.
The key indicators that determine which level of the provincial framework public health units fit into include epidemiology of the virus (e.g., case incidence rate, % testing positivity), confirmed presence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs), status of active outbreaks, health system capacity, public health system capacity, and local context and conditions.
Peterborough Public Health will be providing more education for the community related to these new guidelines and enforcement of regulations will be heightened to limit further transmission of COVID-19.
The new guidelines as they relate to our local area will be updated on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca over the coming days. For an overview, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#red.
___________________________________
What the Red-Control Zone Means
Rules for all businesses
All open businesses must:
Organized public events, social gatherings and wedding, funeral and religious services, rites and ceremonies
Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments
Retail
New for Red-Control as of February 2021:
Sports and recreational fitness facilities
Meeting and event spaces
Personal care services
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Cinemas
Performing arts facilities
Peterborough Public Health News Release, March 5, 2021
On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. Peterborough Public Health (PPH) will move into the Red—CONTROL level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework to prevent the possibility of further spread of COVID-19 cases and Variants of Concern (VOCs).
“As the number of variant cases spread, I am hoping that the Red zone measures will provide our community with the extra protection we need to contain COVID-19 and keep our most vulnerable residents safe,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “There is a real risk that the variants linked to the local outbreaks could spread further out into the community, so I am urging everyone to continue doing their part to follow public health measures and help us avoid going into lockdown.”
Here are some highlights of the following measures that are now required under the Red-CONTROL level:
- Gathering limits of 5 people indoors, and 25 people outdoors, AND physical distancing of 2 metres must be maintained;
- 10 people maximum in restaurants, bars, dining with household members only, maximum of 4 per table;
- Outdoor dining, take out, drive through, and delivery permitted, including alcohol;
- Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.;
- Food courts must close;
- Capacity limits of 75% for supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores, pharmacies;
- Capacity limits of 50% for all other retail, including discount and big box retailers, liquor stores, hardware stores and garden centres. Does not apply to indoor malls, however malls are required to actively screen patrons for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entry;
- For sports and recreational facilities, spacing increased between patrons to 3 metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes. Also, capacity limits, where physical distancing can be maintained of 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines, 10 people in all indoor classes or 25 people in outdoor classes;
- Indoor cinemas closed.
While there are some changes to certain business operations in the Red-CONTROL level, the regulations required for individuals remain the same, such as wearing a mask, and maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres from non-household members in any public business or facility.
“The onus is not only on businesses and organizations. Every individual is responsible for wearing their masks and maintaining 2-metres physical distance from non-household members when they visit businesses open to the public. The only exception to this requirement is for personal caregivers,” stated Ms. Ingram. “Residents are also required to respect the additional measures local businesses will be implementing and continuing to follow good public health protocols, such as limiting shopping trips to one person per household, and staying home if COVID-19 symptoms appear and getting tested.”
All businesses and organizations are advised to review the requirements of the COVID-19 response framework and the governing regulation – O. Reg. 263/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 2 for their pertinent sector. Many of the general public health measures applicable to all businesses and organizations remain the same, including completing COVID-19 safety plans, actively screening employees, passively screening all customers and members of the public, and ensuring compliance by staff and the public for mandatory masks and face coverings.
The key indicators that determine which level of the provincial framework public health units fit into include epidemiology of the virus (e.g., case incidence rate, % testing positivity), confirmed presence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs), status of active outbreaks, health system capacity, public health system capacity, and local context and conditions.
Peterborough Public Health will be providing more education for the community related to these new guidelines and enforcement of regulations will be heightened to limit further transmission of COVID-19.
The new guidelines as they relate to our local area will be updated on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca over the coming days. For an overview, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#red.
___________________________________
What the Red-Control Zone Means
- Savino Human Resources Partners has provided a one-page Safety Zone Overview which summarizes requirements for each colour zone
- The following detailed list is taken from the Government of Ontario COVID-19 public health measures and advice & COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open
Rules for all businesses
All open businesses must:
- screen employees and customers (use the COVID-19covid 19 Screening Tool for Workplaces)
- post signs at all entrances informing people how to screen themselves for COVID-19covid 19 before entry
- limit capacity so guests can stay at least 2 metres apart
- make sure anyone indoors wears a mask or face covering, including workers who have to come within 2 metres of anyone else (with some exceptions)
- make sure workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects their eyes, nose and mouth when they must come within 2 metres of anyone who is not wearing a mask or face covering or separated by plexiglass
- clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces, such as equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers frequently
- manage line ups to make sure customers are at least two metres apart wearing face coverings or masks
- create a safety plan, post it in a place where workers and patrons will see it and have it available upon request (for example, to inspectors or law enforcement officers)
Organized public events, social gatherings and wedding, funeral and religious services, rites and ceremonies
- Limits for all organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained:
- 5 people indoors
- 25 people outdoors
- Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services, where physical distancing can be maintained (applies in any venue other than a private dwelling):
- 30% capacity of the room indoors
- 100 people outdoors
Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments
- Capacity limits, where physical distancing can be maintained:
- 10 patrons seated indoors
- Outdoor dining, take out, drive through, and delivery permitted, including alcohol
- No buffet style service
- Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required
- Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- Require patrons to be seated; 2 metres minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables
- Limit of 4 people may be seated together
- Require contact information for all seated patrons
- Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
- Personal protective equipment, including eye protection required when is a worker must come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering
- Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Dancing, singing and the live performance of music is prohibited
- Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
- Night clubs and strip clubs only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Retail
New for Red-Control as of February 2021:
- Capacity limits of:
- 75% for supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores, pharmacies
- 50% for all other retail, including discount and big box retailers, liquor stores, hardware stores and garden centres
- Stores must post capacity limit publicly
- Stores must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the store front about not entering if you have COVID-19covid 19 symptoms)
- This does not apply to indoor malls, which are required to actively screen their customers before they enter the mall. Malls can use the patron screening tool to help meet this requirement.
- Stores within the malls subject to appropriate retail measures
- Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls
- Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance required inside and outside; face covering also required while in line
- Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
- For malls:
- Maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors in mall food court is 10
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Sports and recreational fitness facilities
- Maintain 2 metres physical distancing at all times
- Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
- Capacity limits, where physical distancing can be maintained
- 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines
- 10 people in all indoor classes or
- 25 people in outdoor classes
- No spectators permitted, however each person under 18 may be accompanied by one parent or guardian
- Team sports must not be practiced or played except for training (no games or scrimmage)
- Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other are not permitted; no contact permitted for team or individual sports
- Exemptions for high performance athletes and parasport
- Patrons may only be in the facility for 90 minutes except if engaging in a sport
- Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public
- Face coverings required except when exercising
- Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
- Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams
- Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Meeting and event spaces
- Capacity limit for the venue, where physical distancing can be maintained:
- 10 people indoors or
- 25 people outdoors
- Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
- Require contact information for all seated patrons
- Limit of 4 people may be seated together
- Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
- Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Personal care services
- Oxygen bars, steam rooms, saunas, bath houses and other adult venues, closed
- Sensory deprivation pods closed (some exceptions)
- Services requiring removal of face coverings prohibited
- Require contact information from all patrons
- Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- Capacity limit for the venue, where physical distancing can be maintained:
- 10 people indoors or
- 25 people outdoors
- Table games are prohibited
- Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
- Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
- Require contact information from all patrons
- Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Cinemas
- Closed, except for:
- drive-in cinemas
- rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event, with restrictions, which include:
- Performers and employees must maintain 2 metres physical distance except for purposes of the performance
- Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Performing arts facilities
- Closed to spectators
- Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted, with restrictions, which include:
- Performers and employees must maintain 2 metres physical distance except for purposes of the performance
- Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
- Drive-in performances permitted
- A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
Ontario Ready to Roll Out Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
Focus Will Be on Older Adults, Those at Risk of Serious Illness and Hot Spot Areas
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 5, 2021
(The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is asking the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force to prioritize clear and consistent communication and coordination in the second phase of their vaccination plan. Read the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's full response to the announcement.)
The Ontario government is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk.
With vaccine supply stabilizing and over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine expected from the federal government before the end of March, the province will enter Phase Two of its vaccine rollout. Between April 2021 and July 2021, up to nine million Ontarians will be vaccinated.
During Phase Two, groups that will receive the vaccine include:
Starting March 15th, the province will launch an online booking system and a provincial customer service desk to answer questions and support appointment bookings at mass immunization clinics. This will initially support individuals over the age of 80 as part of Phase One, eventually extending to more groups during Phase Two. While some public health units are currently using their own booking systems to vaccinate individuals aged 80 and over, it is anticipated that the majority of public health units will transition to the provincial booking system after it has launched.
NACI has provided the recommendation to extend the vaccination dose interval up to four months for all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines while while maintaining a strong and sustained level of protection from the virus. This news along with the approval of new vaccines will help us to reforecast and maximize the number of people receiving a first dose in a shorter timeframe, pending supply from the federal government. Ontario has accepted and will follow NACI's recommendations starting March 10th, with some limited exceptions.
As supply increases, Ontarians will be able to get vaccinated with the three Health Canada approved vaccines in several new settings. In addition to hospitals, mobile clinics and mass vaccination clinics, the province is working with the pharmacy sector and with primary care professionals to offer vaccinations in primary care settings and community locations in collaboration with public health units. A pilot for pharmacy vaccine administration is planned for mid-March in select regions, including Toronto, Windsor and the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington region, followed by specific primary care pilots in collaboration with public health units.
Ontario will enter Phase Three when vaccines are available for every Ontarian who wishes to be immunized. While vaccines will not be mandated, during Phase Three, people will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Focus Will Be on Older Adults, Those at Risk of Serious Illness and Hot Spot Areas
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 5, 2021
(The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is asking the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force to prioritize clear and consistent communication and coordination in the second phase of their vaccination plan. Read the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's full response to the announcement.)
The Ontario government is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk.
With vaccine supply stabilizing and over two million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine expected from the federal government before the end of March, the province will enter Phase Two of its vaccine rollout. Between April 2021 and July 2021, up to nine million Ontarians will be vaccinated.
During Phase Two, groups that will receive the vaccine include:
- Older adults between 60-79 years of age;
- Individuals with specific health conditions and some primary caregivers;
- People who live and work in congregate settings and some primary caregivers;
- People who live in hot spots with high rates of death, hospitalizations and transmission; and,
- Certain workers who cannot work from home.
Starting March 15th, the province will launch an online booking system and a provincial customer service desk to answer questions and support appointment bookings at mass immunization clinics. This will initially support individuals over the age of 80 as part of Phase One, eventually extending to more groups during Phase Two. While some public health units are currently using their own booking systems to vaccinate individuals aged 80 and over, it is anticipated that the majority of public health units will transition to the provincial booking system after it has launched.
NACI has provided the recommendation to extend the vaccination dose interval up to four months for all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines while while maintaining a strong and sustained level of protection from the virus. This news along with the approval of new vaccines will help us to reforecast and maximize the number of people receiving a first dose in a shorter timeframe, pending supply from the federal government. Ontario has accepted and will follow NACI's recommendations starting March 10th, with some limited exceptions.
As supply increases, Ontarians will be able to get vaccinated with the three Health Canada approved vaccines in several new settings. In addition to hospitals, mobile clinics and mass vaccination clinics, the province is working with the pharmacy sector and with primary care professionals to offer vaccinations in primary care settings and community locations in collaboration with public health units. A pilot for pharmacy vaccine administration is planned for mid-March in select regions, including Toronto, Windsor and the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington region, followed by specific primary care pilots in collaboration with public health units.
Ontario will enter Phase Three when vaccines are available for every Ontarian who wishes to be immunized. While vaccines will not be mandated, during Phase Three, people will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and Lockdown Support Extended
Excerpt from Government of Canada News Conference, March 3, 2021
Canada will extend the current rate structures for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown Support from March 14 - June 5, 2021. This means the maximum subsidy rate for active employees will remain at 75%, the maximum rent subsidy rate will remain at 65%, and Lockdown Support will remain at 25%, providing hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90%.
Excerpt from Government of Canada News Conference, March 3, 2021
Canada will extend the current rate structures for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown Support from March 14 - June 5, 2021. This means the maximum subsidy rate for active employees will remain at 75%, the maximum rent subsidy rate will remain at 65%, and Lockdown Support will remain at 25%, providing hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90%.
Re: Public Dining/Seating Requirements - from Peterborough Public Health
At the local level, COVID-19 cases significantly decreased with the implementation of the provincial stay-at-home Order. The Order worked and so far we’ve been able to avoid the sobering predictions from the modelling data that was released on January 12/2021.
The stay-at-home Order was lifted on February 16/2021, and once again, we find ourselves in the process of trying to re-open and find some sort of normalcy during a pandemic… unfortunately, we are already seeing a local increase in COVID-19 cases and close-contacts and we fear that this trend will continue.
Having said that, I’ll lay out what we’ve deemed necessary for local food premises (with dining areas), along with the ‘why?’, ‘how?’ and ‘when?’ below.
What:
Peterborough Public Health is asking that food premise operators within Peterborough City and County obtain verbal attestation that patrons wishing to be seated at the same table, are either:
Why:
How
When
Please find the following linked below:
Public Dining Requirements (Signage to remind customers of these requirements)
Collection of Information for Food Premises (Word)
Collection of Information for Food Premises (PDF)
Collection of Information for Food Premises – Complete at Table (Word) (Option 2 – to be completed at table by patrons.)
Collection of Information for Food Premises – Complete at Table (PDF) (Option 2 – to be completed at table by patrons.)
……………………
If you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Alternatively, you can call (705) 743-1000, ext 232 and ask to be directed to your area inspector.
We are currently working on ‘FAQ’s’, which will be sent out shortly.
Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do.
Matt Faris, CPHI(C)
Public Health Inspector
Peterborough Public Health
185 King Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J 2R8
Phone: (705) 743-1000 ext. 318
Fax: (705) 743-1203
At the local level, COVID-19 cases significantly decreased with the implementation of the provincial stay-at-home Order. The Order worked and so far we’ve been able to avoid the sobering predictions from the modelling data that was released on January 12/2021.
The stay-at-home Order was lifted on February 16/2021, and once again, we find ourselves in the process of trying to re-open and find some sort of normalcy during a pandemic… unfortunately, we are already seeing a local increase in COVID-19 cases and close-contacts and we fear that this trend will continue.
Having said that, I’ll lay out what we’ve deemed necessary for local food premises (with dining areas), along with the ‘why?’, ‘how?’ and ‘when?’ below.
What:
Peterborough Public Health is asking that food premise operators within Peterborough City and County obtain verbal attestation that patrons wishing to be seated at the same table, are either:
- from the same household, or
- a caregiver, or
- live alone and are joining one other household.
Why:
- Close contact with non-household members presents the highest risk for COVID-19 transmission, especially where masks are not being worn.
- When dining in public spaces, it is not usually possible to maintain 2 metres from others seated at your table.
- We are seeing a rise in non-household close-contacts related to local food establishments since dining areas were permitted to re-open on Feb 16/2021.
- Provincial legislation also requires that the person “responsible for a place of business or facility that is open to the public shall limit the number of persons in the place of business or facility so that every member of the public is able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the business or facility, except where Schedule 2 allows persons to be closer together.(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) does not require persons who are in compliance with public health guidance on households to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from each other while in a place of business or facility.” O. Reg. 364/20
- Provincial legislation requires individuals in a place of business or facility that is open to the public to “maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person, except from their caregiver or from members of the person’s household.” O. Reg. 364/20
- To provide clarity to both the public and food premise operators regarding the requirements under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 .
How
- In addition to the current requirement for food premise operators to collect contact information for each seated patron, we ask that you also receive verbal attestation that each patron wishing to be seated at the same table is either:
- from the same household, or
- a caregiver, or
- lives alone and is joining one other household.
- We have developed two different template collection of information forms to assist food premise operators with this new requirement
- One of the templates has only six blank spaces for patron information. This “one form per table” option is intended to be filled out by patrons after they have given their verbal attestation to staff and been seated.
- The other template has many blank spaces for food premise operators that prefer that their staff collect the information on behalf of patrons.
When
- Food premise operators are required to implement this new requirement by 12:01 am on Friday, March 5/2021.
- Subject to amendment or extension, this letter of instruction (link below) is set to expire on Friday, April 9/2021.
Please find the following linked below:
- letter of instruction regarding these public dining requirements,
- signage to remind customers of these requirements, and
- example forms to (hopefully) make your tracking efforts easier.
Public Dining Requirements (Signage to remind customers of these requirements)
Collection of Information for Food Premises (Word)
Collection of Information for Food Premises (PDF)
Collection of Information for Food Premises – Complete at Table (Word) (Option 2 – to be completed at table by patrons.)
Collection of Information for Food Premises – Complete at Table (PDF) (Option 2 – to be completed at table by patrons.)
……………………
If you have any questions – please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Alternatively, you can call (705) 743-1000, ext 232 and ask to be directed to your area inspector.
We are currently working on ‘FAQ’s’, which will be sent out shortly.
Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do.
Matt Faris, CPHI(C)
Public Health Inspector
Peterborough Public Health
185 King Street
Peterborough, ON
K9J 2R8
Phone: (705) 743-1000 ext. 318
Fax: (705) 743-1203
Tips to Avoid an Inspection Warning or Fine
It's important that we all, as business owners, maintain our focus on remaining open and safe by following the rules.
The rules and guidelines are different for the various business sectors, but we’ve put together some key parts to help everyone keep our community safe and comply with public health regulations.
According to Peterborough Public Health, the main issues were:
Safety plan
Guide for developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan
From the regulations - O. Reg. 364/20:
3.3 (1) The person responsible for a business that is open shall prepare and make available a safety plan in accordance with this section, or ensure that one is prepared and made available, no later than seven days after the requirement first applies to the person.
(2) The safety plan shall describe the measures and procedures which have been implemented or will be implemented in the business to reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19.
(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the safety plan shall describe how the requirements of this Order will be implemented in the location including by screening, physical distancing, masks or face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects and the wearing of personal protective equipment.
(4) The safety plan shall be in writing and shall be made available to any person for review on request.
(5) The person responsible for the business shall ensure that a copy of the safety plan is posted in a conspicuous place where it is most likely to come to the attention of individuals working in or attending the business.
Screening
COVID-19 worker and employee screening - You must screen before going to work each day. (Likewise, it needs to be documented that each employee has screened negative – how this attestation happens is up to each workplace, as long as it is happening - log book, email or text message system, etc.). There are new provincial requirements that if anyone in the household has symptoms, ‘everyone must stay home until the person with symptoms gets a negative COVID-19 test result, or is cleared by public health, or is diagnosed with another illness.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Government information sheet on cleaning and disinfecting
Approved cleaning and disinfecting products from Health Canada
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace
Find sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario.
Requirements that apply to individuals
Mask wearing requirements, exceptions, and exemptions
Peterborough Public Health has a Q&A resource regarding patrons that don’t wear a mask
Section 13 of the Ontario Human Rights Commission also addresses mask issues:
3.1 (1) Every person on the premises of a business or organization that is open shall wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period in which they are in an indoor area of the premises.
(4) Every member of the public in a place of business or facility that is open to the public shall maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person, except from their caregiver or from members of the person’s household.
It's important that we all, as business owners, maintain our focus on remaining open and safe by following the rules.
The rules and guidelines are different for the various business sectors, but we’ve put together some key parts to help everyone keep our community safe and comply with public health regulations.
According to Peterborough Public Health, the main issues were:
- Incomplete or nonexistent safety plans
- Safety plans not posted
- Lack of active screening of staff/workers before entering the workplace
- Ensuring that approved disinfection products are used on high-touch surfaces
Safety plan
Guide for developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan
From the regulations - O. Reg. 364/20:
3.3 (1) The person responsible for a business that is open shall prepare and make available a safety plan in accordance with this section, or ensure that one is prepared and made available, no later than seven days after the requirement first applies to the person.
(2) The safety plan shall describe the measures and procedures which have been implemented or will be implemented in the business to reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19.
(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the safety plan shall describe how the requirements of this Order will be implemented in the location including by screening, physical distancing, masks or face coverings, cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects and the wearing of personal protective equipment.
(4) The safety plan shall be in writing and shall be made available to any person for review on request.
(5) The person responsible for the business shall ensure that a copy of the safety plan is posted in a conspicuous place where it is most likely to come to the attention of individuals working in or attending the business.
Screening
COVID-19 worker and employee screening - You must screen before going to work each day. (Likewise, it needs to be documented that each employee has screened negative – how this attestation happens is up to each workplace, as long as it is happening - log book, email or text message system, etc.). There are new provincial requirements that if anyone in the household has symptoms, ‘everyone must stay home until the person with symptoms gets a negative COVID-19 test result, or is cleared by public health, or is diagnosed with another illness.
Cleaning and disinfecting
Government information sheet on cleaning and disinfecting
Approved cleaning and disinfecting products from Health Canada
Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace
Find sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario.
Requirements that apply to individuals
Mask wearing requirements, exceptions, and exemptions
Peterborough Public Health has a Q&A resource regarding patrons that don’t wear a mask
Section 13 of the Ontario Human Rights Commission also addresses mask issues:
3.1 (1) Every person on the premises of a business or organization that is open shall wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose and chin during any period in which they are in an indoor area of the premises.
(4) Every member of the public in a place of business or facility that is open to the public shall maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person, except from their caregiver or from members of the person’s household.
Support for the Arts Sector
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 2, 2021
The Ontario government is supporting the arts sector with a one-time investment of $25 million to help artists and arts organizations survive the COVID-19 pandemic, remain solvent and prepare for a time when they can fully re-open their facilities, resume full programming and welcome back their visitors and audiences.
Arts organizations ($24 million total): Applications are now closed. See the list of approved organizations.
Artists & creators ($1 million total): More information on this, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, will be available soon on the Ontario Arts Council website.
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, March 2, 2021
The Ontario government is supporting the arts sector with a one-time investment of $25 million to help artists and arts organizations survive the COVID-19 pandemic, remain solvent and prepare for a time when they can fully re-open their facilities, resume full programming and welcome back their visitors and audiences.
Arts organizations ($24 million total): Applications are now closed. See the list of approved organizations.
Artists & creators ($1 million total): More information on this, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, will be available soon on the Ontario Arts Council website.
Ontario Expands Eligibility for Main Street Relief Grant for PPE
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 16, 2021
The Ontario government is expanding the number of small businesses that can apply for the Main Street Relief Grant to help offset the costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). Small businesses with 2 to 19 employees in all eligible sectors - expanded from 2-9 employees - including those in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector, can now apply for up to $1,000 in financial support. The expansion is being made as more parts of the province enter the strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework, which allows for the gradual and safe reopening of in-store shopping at non-essential retail stores.
This one-time grant reimburses main street businesses for up to $1,000 in PPE costs incurred since March 17, 2020. Eligible businesses for the Main Street Relief Grant now include those with 2 to 19 employees in the following sectors:
The grant can be used to help cover the costs of a variety of PPE, including installing plexiglass or purchasing gloves and masks. Eligible businesses can apply for this grant and other COVID-19 financial supports - like the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and property tax or energy cost rebates - through a simple online application.
Small businesses can visit ontario.ca/smallbusiness to learn about the many supports available to them. These include resources to find Ontario-made PPE through the Workplace PPE Supplier Directory, tools to build or expand their online presence through Digital Main Street, tailored local support through the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network, and free financial advice.
Find local PPE suppliers on the Peterborough PPE Retail Hub
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 16, 2021
The Ontario government is expanding the number of small businesses that can apply for the Main Street Relief Grant to help offset the costs of purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE). Small businesses with 2 to 19 employees in all eligible sectors - expanded from 2-9 employees - including those in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector, can now apply for up to $1,000 in financial support. The expansion is being made as more parts of the province enter the strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework, which allows for the gradual and safe reopening of in-store shopping at non-essential retail stores.
This one-time grant reimburses main street businesses for up to $1,000 in PPE costs incurred since March 17, 2020. Eligible businesses for the Main Street Relief Grant now include those with 2 to 19 employees in the following sectors:
- retail trade;
- accommodation and food services;
- repair and maintenance;
- personal and laundry services;
- gyms and yoga studios; and
- arts, entertainment, and recreation.
The grant can be used to help cover the costs of a variety of PPE, including installing plexiglass or purchasing gloves and masks. Eligible businesses can apply for this grant and other COVID-19 financial supports - like the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and property tax or energy cost rebates - through a simple online application.
Small businesses can visit ontario.ca/smallbusiness to learn about the many supports available to them. These include resources to find Ontario-made PPE through the Workplace PPE Supplier Directory, tools to build or expand their online presence through Digital Main Street, tailored local support through the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network, and free financial advice.
Find local PPE suppliers on the Peterborough PPE Retail Hub
Ontario Launches Education Campaign to Help Workplaces Reopen Safely
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 19, 2021
The Ontario government is launching new health and safety education campaigns, with a particular focus on helping small businesses across the province reopen safely. The on-the-ground assistance includes a comprehensive suite of resources business owners can access at no cost to ensure they are helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The full suite of government educational supports available includes:
For more information on these tools, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-help-businesses-ontario.
Other safety resources:
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 19, 2021
The Ontario government is launching new health and safety education campaigns, with a particular focus on helping small businesses across the province reopen safely. The on-the-ground assistance includes a comprehensive suite of resources business owners can access at no cost to ensure they are helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The full suite of government educational supports available includes:
- Free webinars on how to operate a business safely, and comply with health and safety requirements, during COVID-19.
- A free 30-minute online course on infection prevention and control provided by the Public Services Health and Safety Association.
- Provincial Employment Standards Call Centre (webes@ontario.ca) and Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre (webohs@ontario.ca) to answer small business health and safety questions.
For more information on these tools, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-help-businesses-ontario.
Other safety resources:
- To help businesses understand how to use health and safety guidance to develop a safety plan for their unique situation, the government has developed a toolkit that includes a guide, template and checklist.
- Financial supports for businesses include the Workplace Safety Insurance Board’s Health and Safety Excellence Program, which offer rebates to safe employers.
Peterborough Public Health Region to Move to Yellow-Protect Level Effective February 16th at 12:01am
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 12, 2021
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is transitioning twenty-seven public health regions out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the "Framework").
After returning to the Framework, public health regions will stay in their level for at least two weeks at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health and workplace safety measures to determine if the region should stay where they are or be moved to a different level. Public health regions will move up through the levels, if necessary, based on the set indicators and thresholds outlined in the Framework.
Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province's pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an "emergency brake" to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to immediately advise moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission. Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, to target specific transmission risks in the community.
"While the trends in public health indicators are heading in the right direction, we still have work to do," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Everyone is strongly advised to continue staying at home, avoid social gatherings, only travel between regions for essential purposes, and limit close contacts to your household or those you live with."
What the Yellow-Protect Zone Means (from the Government of Ontario COVID-19 Public Health Measures & Advice)
Strengthened measures: Stronger targeted enforcement, fines and more education to limit the spread. Public health measures for high-risk settings.
Always stay home if you have symptoms, physically distance by staying two metres apart from people you don’t live with, wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces and avoid non-essential travel.
Gatherings and close contact
Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with) and stay at least 2 metres apart from everyone else.
If you live alone, you can have close contact with only one other household.
Events and social gatherings in private homes, backyards or parks (for example, barbeques):
Organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities (for example, event spaces):
Religious, wedding and funeral services:
Rules for all businesses
All open businesses must:
Stores
Fitting rooms cannot be right next to each other.
Guests must wear a mark or face covering and stay at least 2 metres apart inside and when lining up and gathering outside.
Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments
Guests must:
Time restrictions:
Not allowed:
Sports and recreational fitness facilities
Capacity limits:
Everyone must:
Team and individual sports must:
Outdoor ski, ice and snow recreational amenities open for recreational purposes.
Meeting and event spaces
Capacity limits:
Not allowed:
Time restrictions:
Personal care services
Closed:
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Capacity limits:
Not allowed:
Time restrictions:
Cinemas
Capacity limits:
Performing arts facilities
Capacity limits:
There must be a barrier (for example, plexiglass) between singers and wind- or brass-instrument players and audience members.
Time restrictions:
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 12, 2021
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is transitioning twenty-seven public health regions out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the "Framework").
After returning to the Framework, public health regions will stay in their level for at least two weeks at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health and workplace safety measures to determine if the region should stay where they are or be moved to a different level. Public health regions will move up through the levels, if necessary, based on the set indicators and thresholds outlined in the Framework.
Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to the province's pandemic response, Ontario is introducing an "emergency brake" to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to immediately advise moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission. Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, to target specific transmission risks in the community.
"While the trends in public health indicators are heading in the right direction, we still have work to do," said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Everyone is strongly advised to continue staying at home, avoid social gatherings, only travel between regions for essential purposes, and limit close contacts to your household or those you live with."
What the Yellow-Protect Zone Means (from the Government of Ontario COVID-19 Public Health Measures & Advice)
Strengthened measures: Stronger targeted enforcement, fines and more education to limit the spread. Public health measures for high-risk settings.
Always stay home if you have symptoms, physically distance by staying two metres apart from people you don’t live with, wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces and avoid non-essential travel.
Gatherings and close contact
Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with) and stay at least 2 metres apart from everyone else.
If you live alone, you can have close contact with only one other household.
Events and social gatherings in private homes, backyards or parks (for example, barbeques):
- Indoors: 10 people
- Outside: 25 people
Organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities (for example, event spaces):
- Indoors: 50 people
- Outside: 100 people
Religious, wedding and funeral services:
- Indoors: 30% capacity
- Outside: 100 people
Rules for all businesses
All open businesses must:
- screen employees (use the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces)
- post signs at all entrances informing people how to screen themselves for COVID-19 before entry
- limit capacity so guests can stay at least 2 metres apart
- make sure anyone indoors wears a mask or face covering, including workers who have to come within 2 metres of anyone else (with some exceptions)
- make sure workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects the eyes, nose and mouth when they must come within 2 metres of anyone who is not wearing a mask or face covering or separated by plexiglass
- clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces, such as equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers frequently
- manage line ups to make sure customers are at least two metres apart wearing face coverings or masks
- create a safety plan, post it in a place where workers and patrons will see it and have it available upon request (for example, to inspectors or law enforcement officers)
Stores
Fitting rooms cannot be right next to each other.
Guests must wear a mark or face covering and stay at least 2 metres apart inside and when lining up and gathering outside.
Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments
Guests must:
- sit with at least 2 metres between tables
- wear masks or face coverings except when eating or drinking (with some exceptions)
- wear a mask or face covering and keep 2 metres apart when lining up
- give their name and contact information
Time restrictions:
- Establishments must close by midnight
- Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
- No one can drink alcohol after midnight
Not allowed:
- Buffets
- More than 6 people per table
Sports and recreational fitness facilities
Capacity limits:
- Indoors:
- 10 people per class
- 50 people in areas with weights or exercise equipment
- 50 spectators
- Outside:
- 25 people per class
- 100 spectators
Everyone must:
- always wear masks or face coverings except when exercising or playing sports (with some exceptions)
- stay 3 metres apart in classes or areas with weights or exercise equipment and 2 metres apart everywhere else
- make reservations (only one required per team)
- give their name and contact information
Team and individual sports must:
- be modified to avoid physical contact
Outdoor ski, ice and snow recreational amenities open for recreational purposes.
Meeting and event spaces
Capacity limits:
- Indoors: 50 people total or 50 people per room when the establishment follows the Guidance for meeting and event facilities during COVID-19covid 19
- Outside: 100 people
- Per table: 6 people
- Religious, wedding and funeral services have different limits
Not allowed:
- Booking multiple rooms for the same event
Time restrictions:
- Establishments must close by midnight
- Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
- No one can drink alcohol after midnight
Personal care services
Closed:
- Oxygen bars
- Steam rooms
- Saunas
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Capacity limits:
- 50 people
Not allowed:
- Table games (for example, poker, blackjack, roulette)
Time restrictions:
- Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
- No one can drink alcohol after midnight
Cinemas
Capacity limits:
- Indoors: 50 people total or 50 people per auditorium when the cinema follows guidance for movie theatres during COVID-19covid 19
- Outside: 100 people
- Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
- No once can drink alcohol after midnight
- Always wear masks or face coverings except when eating or drinking (with some exceptions)
- Give their name and contact information
Performing arts facilities
Capacity limits:
- Indoors: 50 spectators per facility
- Outside: 100 spectators per facility
There must be a barrier (for example, plexiglass) between singers and wind- or brass-instrument players and audience members.
Time restrictions:
- Alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m.
- No one can drink alcohol after midnight
Applications Open for Ontario's New Skills Development Fund
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 5, 2021
Applications are now open for the Ontario government's new two-year $115 million Skills Development Fund. The fund, which will support workers and apprentices, is specifically designed to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and help reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for the province's economic recovery.
The Skills Development Fund will accept applications from a wide range of employment and training organizations in Ontario, and the focus will be on:
Applicants, including employers, apprenticeship training delivery agents, unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and others can submit proposals until February 28, 2021.
Submit a Proposal
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, February 5, 2021
Applications are now open for the Ontario government's new two-year $115 million Skills Development Fund. The fund, which will support workers and apprentices, is specifically designed to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and help reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for the province's economic recovery.
The Skills Development Fund will accept applications from a wide range of employment and training organizations in Ontario, and the focus will be on:
- giving laid-off workers immediate access to training supports or new jobs
- improving the quality of training
- reaching out to traditionally underrepresented groups
- increasing apprentice registrations and completion
- better serving local communities
- supporting the talent needs of small businesses
Applicants, including employers, apprenticeship training delivery agents, unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and others can submit proposals until February 28, 2021.
Submit a Proposal
New Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Opens February 1
Excerpts from Government of Canada News Release, January 26, 2021
Through HASCAP, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million. Hard-hit businesses, like a chain of hotels or restaurants with multiple locations under one related entity, could be eligible for up to $6.25 million. HASCAP will help businesses with their day-to-day operating costs during the COVID-19 crisis and enable them to invest in their longer-term prosperity.
HASCAP is available to businesses across the country, in all sectors, that have been hit hard by the pandemic. This includes restaurants, businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and those that rely on in-person service.
To be eligible for HASCAP, businesses need to show a year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50% in three months, within the eight months prior to their application. They must also be able to show their financial institutions that they have previously applied for either the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Eligible businesses can start applying as early as February 1 at principal financial institutions and more widely by February 15. Interested businesses should contact their primary lender to get more information and to apply.
Learn more about the credit
Excerpts from Government of Canada News Release, January 26, 2021
Through HASCAP, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million. Hard-hit businesses, like a chain of hotels or restaurants with multiple locations under one related entity, could be eligible for up to $6.25 million. HASCAP will help businesses with their day-to-day operating costs during the COVID-19 crisis and enable them to invest in their longer-term prosperity.
HASCAP is available to businesses across the country, in all sectors, that have been hit hard by the pandemic. This includes restaurants, businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and those that rely on in-person service.
To be eligible for HASCAP, businesses need to show a year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50% in three months, within the eight months prior to their application. They must also be able to show their financial institutions that they have previously applied for either the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Eligible businesses can start applying as early as February 1 at principal financial institutions and more widely by February 15. Interested businesses should contact their primary lender to get more information and to apply.
Learn more about the credit
REVISED Benefit Amounts & Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program - Small Business (CEAP-SB)
The Ontario Energy Board updated the eligibility criteria on January 14, 2021, so that more customers may qualify for CEAP-SB. Small business and registered charity electricity or natural gas customers are now eligible for CEAP-SB if they meet all of the following criteria:
Customers who previously applied but were denied will have their original applications reviewed by utilities and will be contacted directly if they meet the new eligibility criteria. Customers who previously applied and received an on-bill credit will be notified by their utilities that the funding limits have been increased, and that they can file a new application for additional credits under the new funding limits, to be applied against any current overdue amounts. No customer can receive total CEAP-SB funding that exceeds the new funding limit of $1,500.
Eligible small business and registered charity customers may qualify for a one-time CEAP-SB credit for the electricity or natural gas charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP-SB, up to a maximum of $1,500.
More Information about CEAP-SB and How to Apply
The Ontario Energy Board updated the eligibility criteria on January 14, 2021, so that more customers may qualify for CEAP-SB. Small business and registered charity electricity or natural gas customers are now eligible for CEAP-SB if they meet all of the following criteria:
- The customer has an active account with an electricity distributor, a USMP or a natural gas distributor.
- The customer’s account falls within the following class:
- For customers of an electricity distributor, the General Service less than 50 kW rate class
- For customers of a USMP, the relevant commercial class that uses less than 150,000 kWh of electricity annually
- For customers of a natural gas distributor, is a non-residential customer that uses less than 50,000 cubic meters of gas annually
- Customers can find information about their class on their bill, or they can contact their utility or USMP.
- The customer has a registered business number or charitable registration number for the small business or registered charity operating out of the premises.
- The customer has overdue amounts owing from one or more electricity or gas bills since March 17, 2020.
Customers who previously applied but were denied will have their original applications reviewed by utilities and will be contacted directly if they meet the new eligibility criteria. Customers who previously applied and received an on-bill credit will be notified by their utilities that the funding limits have been increased, and that they can file a new application for additional credits under the new funding limits, to be applied against any current overdue amounts. No customer can receive total CEAP-SB funding that exceeds the new funding limit of $1,500.
Eligible small business and registered charity customers may qualify for a one-time CEAP-SB credit for the electricity or natural gas charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP-SB, up to a maximum of $1,500.
More Information about CEAP-SB and How to Apply
Applications Open for New Ontario Business Support Grant
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is for small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
What you'll get
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides businesses with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
The business must demonstrate they experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020. This time period was selected because it reflects the impact of the public health measures in spring 2020, and as such provides a representation of the possible impact of these latest measures on small businesses.
New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Businesses will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them. For example, some businesses could use the support to pay employee wages, while others may need support maintaining their inventory.
Eligibility
To receive the grant, a small business must:
Small businesses not in operation in April 2019 or April 2020 will be able to select alternative months for comparing revenue decline through the application portal.
Businesses will have to have a business number in order to be eligible. If a business does not have a business number, they will be directed to apply for a business number before they can proceed with their application.
They also need to have information about the revenue decline and number of employees available and would have to attest to the information provided in their application.
Once the application is successfully submitted an eligible business can expect to receive payment within approximately 10 business days. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information, or that require additional review, will experience a delay and will not receive payment within 10 business days.
Applications are still open until March 31, 2021 and a detailed step-by-step instructional video on the application portal is available to help guide applicants through the process.
Apply for the Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Small Business Support Grant is for small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
What you'll get
Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides businesses with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.
The business must demonstrate they experienced a revenue decline of at least 20 per cent when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020. This time period was selected because it reflects the impact of the public health measures in spring 2020, and as such provides a representation of the possible impact of these latest measures on small businesses.
New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Businesses will be able to use the support in whatever way makes the most sense for them. For example, some businesses could use the support to pay employee wages, while others may need support maintaining their inventory.
Eligibility
To receive the grant, a small business must:
- be required to close or restrict services subject to the Provincewide Shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26
- have fewer than 100 employees at the enterprise level
- have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline comparing April 2020 to April 2019 revenues. New businesses established since April 2019 are also eligible provided they meet the other eligibility criteria
Small businesses not in operation in April 2019 or April 2020 will be able to select alternative months for comparing revenue decline through the application portal.
Businesses will have to have a business number in order to be eligible. If a business does not have a business number, they will be directed to apply for a business number before they can proceed with their application.
They also need to have information about the revenue decline and number of employees available and would have to attest to the information provided in their application.
Once the application is successfully submitted an eligible business can expect to receive payment within approximately 10 business days. Applications with incomplete or incorrect information, or that require additional review, will experience a delay and will not receive payment within 10 business days.
Applications are still open until March 31, 2021 and a detailed step-by-step instructional video on the application portal is available to help guide applicants through the process.
Apply for the Small Business Support Grant
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, January 13, 2021Phase One of the vaccine implementation program is expected to see approximately 1.5 million eligible people vaccinated. Vaccination of residents, staff and essential caregivers of long-term care homes has begun in many parts of the province, with the goal of having the first dose administered in all homes no later than February 15, 2021.
Groups eligible to receive vaccines as part of Phase Two of the Ontario immunization program will include:
In preparation for Phase Two of the vaccination distribution plan, more vaccination sites will be added. Over the coming months, those sites will include municipally run vaccination sites, hospital sites, mobile vaccination sites, pharmacies, clinics, primary care settings and community locations such as community health centres and aboriginal health access centres.
As the vaccine supply increases, and guided by the Ethical Framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Ontario is also enabling more health care providers to administer the vaccine as quickly and safely as possible.
Health care professionals who are able to administer the vaccine can register and apply through Ontario's Matching Portal. This could include nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses, along with pharmacists, pharmacy students, interns and pharmacy technicians.
From Peterborough Public Health
Excerpts from Government of Ontario News Release, January 13, 2021Phase One of the vaccine implementation program is expected to see approximately 1.5 million eligible people vaccinated. Vaccination of residents, staff and essential caregivers of long-term care homes has begun in many parts of the province, with the goal of having the first dose administered in all homes no later than February 15, 2021.
Groups eligible to receive vaccines as part of Phase Two of the Ontario immunization program will include:
- Older adults, beginning with those 80 years of age and older and decreasing in five-year increments over the course of the vaccine rollout;
- Individuals living and working in high-risk congregate settings;
- Frontline essential workers (e.g., first responders, education workers, food processing industry);
- Individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers; and
- Other populations and communities facing barriers related to the determinants of health across Ontario who are at greater COVID-19 risk.
In preparation for Phase Two of the vaccination distribution plan, more vaccination sites will be added. Over the coming months, those sites will include municipally run vaccination sites, hospital sites, mobile vaccination sites, pharmacies, clinics, primary care settings and community locations such as community health centres and aboriginal health access centres.
As the vaccine supply increases, and guided by the Ethical Framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Ontario is also enabling more health care providers to administer the vaccine as quickly and safely as possible.
Health care professionals who are able to administer the vaccine can register and apply through Ontario's Matching Portal. This could include nurse practitioners, registered nurses and registered practical nurses, along with pharmacists, pharmacy students, interns and pharmacy technicians.
From Peterborough Public Health
Tourism Resilience Fund Program Launched
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, together with partner Community Futures Peterborough will be administering non-repayable financial support ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 for eligible tourism-dependent businesses in the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.
The intention of this fund is to help offset business adaption costs associated with changing health and safety requirements and increasing safety demands for tourism-dependent businesses.
Eligible businesses can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000 to support one-time business adaptation and re-opening costs incurred by tourism-oriented businesses (20% match by the applicant is required).
*Note: Marketing activities are ineligible expenses.
Details & Application Page
Support Local Campaigns - #LoveLocalPtbo
#LoveLocalPtbo
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is continuing with its support local campaign - #LoveLocalPtbo. The message is even more relevant as businesses start the recovery process. Use the hashtag on your social media and let us know how you #LoveLocalPtbo.
Learn more
#CanadaUnited
The movement, led by RBC and in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and business organizations from across the county, starts with a Canada United Small Business Relief Campaign where we ask Canadians to complete ‘micro-actions’ (views, likes, shares, follows, etc.) in support small and local businesses.
Every micro-action will result in a micro-donation by RBC towards small business recovery grant funding, which will be managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national chamber network. The movement culminates with a new nationwide Canada United Weekend in late August. The event promotes shopping at small and local businesses, while we help those same businesses prepare and promote their participation in the event. The weekend includes unveiling of the total raised for small business recovery grant funding from the Canada United Small Business Relief Campaign.
Learn more
#LoveLocalPtbo
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is continuing with its support local campaign - #LoveLocalPtbo. The message is even more relevant as businesses start the recovery process. Use the hashtag on your social media and let us know how you #LoveLocalPtbo.
Learn more
#CanadaUnited
The movement, led by RBC and in partnership with Chambers of Commerce and business organizations from across the county, starts with a Canada United Small Business Relief Campaign where we ask Canadians to complete ‘micro-actions’ (views, likes, shares, follows, etc.) in support small and local businesses.
Every micro-action will result in a micro-donation by RBC towards small business recovery grant funding, which will be managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national chamber network. The movement culminates with a new nationwide Canada United Weekend in late August. The event promotes shopping at small and local businesses, while we help those same businesses prepare and promote their participation in the event. The weekend includes unveiling of the total raised for small business recovery grant funding from the Canada United Small Business Relief Campaign.
Learn more
