TORONTO – Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the reduction of the types of businesses and workplaces allowed to remain open while Ontario deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning April 4th at 11:59 p.m. most construction projects, except critical infrastructure, will be shut down. Infrastructure projects such as bridges, hospitals, and roads will remain open for now. Workers on new home construction job sites that are nearing completion can remain on the job. No new housing starts or projects are permitted until the orders are lifted or relaxed.
The provincial order cuts the number of business types open from 74 to 44 types. This is on the heels of the release of the government’s projections for infection and fatalities due to COVID-19.
“Everything’s on the table right now,” Ford said during his daily press conference held April 3rd.
In addition to removing those business sectors from the essential list, businesses such as hardware stores, vehicle parts and supplies stores, pet and animal stores, office supply and computer repair stores, and safety supply stores must switch to curbside pick-up or delivery only.
Essential businesses such as grocery and convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and takeout/drive-thru/delivery only restaurants will remain open, as will the Beer Store and LCBO locations. Cannabis retail stores will close however online sales will still be available.
Businesses and workplaces that can operate remotely, as listed in the first closure two weeks ago, remain unchanged. Retail stores that have switched to online only with delivery can still do so.
A complete list of the workplaces allowed to remain open are available here.
