Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario to Ease Restrictions for Retail and Essential Construction
Date: May 6, 2020
The Ontario government has announced the easing of restrictions that will allow specific businesses to resume activity. The incremental changes will come into effect over the next week:
- Garden centres and nurseries will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday May 8. They will be required to follow the guidelines in place for grocery stores and pharmacies.
- Hardware and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday May 9.
- Retail stores with a street entrance will be permitted to offer curbside pick up and delivery effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday May 11.
- The list of essential construction has been expanded to include below-grade multi-unit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums.
The government stated that business owners should review the health and safety guidelines developed by it in partnership with health and safety associations (see our FTR Now of May 1, 2020 COVID-19 Update: Certain Businesses Permitted to Reopen, and More) as well as the Ministry of Health’s Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and their occupational health and safety obligations.
The government emphasized the need for continuing to follow workplace safety guidelines such as staggered shifts, physical distancing, contactless payments and physical barriers.
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