Daily COVID-19 Update - April 27, 2020
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The following information outlines the latest announcements by the Government of Ontario related to COVID-19.
Ontario’s Plan to Reopen the Economy
Today the Government of Ontario released A Framework for Reopening our Province. This framework outlines the method and principles that will be used to reopen businesses, but no dates have been provided at this point.
The Ontario economy will reopen in three stages:
Stage 1
- Opening select workplaces that can meet or modify operations to meet current public health guidelines
- Allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people, such as funerals, and opening some outdoor spaces like parks
- Hospitals beginning to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries and other health care services
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and practice of physical distancing
Stage 2
- Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, with significant mitigation plans
- Opening more public spaces and allowing some larger public gatherings
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and practice of physical distancing
Stage 3
- Opening all workplaces responsibly
- Relaxing restrictions on public gatherings, but continued restrictions on large public gatherings including concerts and sporting events
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and practice of physical distancing
At each stage, the government will consider factors such as the risk of the spread of COVID-19, health system capacity, and the ability to implement protective and preventative measures in the workplace. Each stage will be implemented in 2-4 week periods and prior to proceeding to the next stage, the Chief Medical Officer of Health may advise to reapply restrictions, maintain status quo, or progress to the next stage.
In order to get back to work, all employers and workers will be required to follow directives and guidelines on COVID-19, including measures that may restrict certain activities. Safe workplaces must have a plan that promotes and adheres to strict hygiene and sanitation standards, and physical distancing to the extent possible.
The government will provide guidelines to employers on how to open safely and protect their employees and customers. Documents will be made available across many sectors, as well as training to provide guidance to workplaces opening up their businesses
School Closure Extended
Over the weekend it was announced by Ontario’s Minister of Education that all publically-funded schools will remain closed until at least May 31, 2020. This extension is part of the effort to keep students, staff and families safe from COVID-19.