On April 27, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford released the provincial government’s plan to reopen Ontario’s economy. To review the full framework visit: https://files.ontario.ca/mof-framework-for-reopening-our-province-en-2020-04-27.pdf.
Ontario’s Reopening Plan is divided into 3 stages. There have been no firm dates or deadlines provided. Premier Ford has made it clear that this framework is to serve as a methodology only and not a reopening schedule.
Before the first stage of this plan can be initiated, and before each stage can end and a new stage commenced, the following four criteria must be met, which have be put in place by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health:
According to Premier Ford’s press conference today, Ontario remains “a few weeks” out from commencing Stage 1.
After each 2-to-4 week period, the Chief Medical Officer of Health may advise to:
Stage 1: Open select workplaces, allow some small gatherings
Stage 2: Open more workplaces and outdoor spaces, allow some larger gatherings
Stage 3: Further relax restrictions on public gatherings, opening all workplaces responsibly
Guidelines will be provided for 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 employers during reopening.
While we are heading in the right direction as a nation and a province, this COVID-19 situation remains fluid, and much will depend on our collective actions in the coming days and weeks. This serves as a reminder that we all need to stay vigilant and plan accordingly. We at KMB Law remain with you during this time, and will continue to support and advise our small to medium sized business clients during this ever changing and challenging time.
Joanne Gilbert-Wiens is an associate in the Corporate/Commercial group. She can be contacted at jgilbert@kmblaw.com for further information.
Ontario’s Reopening Plan is divided into 3 stages. There have been no firm dates or deadlines provided. Premier Ford has made it clear that this framework is to serve as a methodology only and not a reopening schedule.
Before the first stage of this plan can be initiated, and before each stage can end and a new stage commenced, the following four criteria must be met, which have be put in place by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health:
- Virus Spread and Containment
- Consistent decrease in new daily COVID-19 cases for 2 to 4 weeks. This means that each stage will last a minimum of 2 weeks. According to Premier Ford’s press conference today, Ontario’s current record of downward trending new cases has been 3 days.
- A decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases where the source cannot be traced.
- A decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases in hospitals.
- Health System Capacity
- Sufficient acute and critical care capacity as well as ventilators.
- Ongoing availability of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE.
- Public Health System Capacity
- Public Health units must be able to trace 90% of new cases to the source and contact same within 24 hours.
- Incidence Tracking Capacity
- Ongoing testing to continue, especially of vulnerable populations
- Shift to new/alternative testing methods.
According to Premier Ford’s press conference today, Ontario remains “a few weeks” out from commencing Stage 1.
After each 2-to-4 week period, the Chief Medical Officer of Health may advise to:
- Reapply or tighten certain measures in response to a surge in cases or outbreaks;
- Maintain status quo and continue monitoring progress; or
- Progress to next 2-to-4 week stage.
Stage 1: Open select workplaces, allow some small gatherings
- For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health guidance and occupational health and safety requirements (e.g., curbside pick-up or delivery).
- Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and allow for a greater number of individuals to attend some events (ex. funerals.)
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and the continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans to limit health risks. Hospitals beginning to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries and other health care services.
Stage 2: Open more workplaces and outdoor spaces, allow some larger gatherings
- Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries, and additional office and retail workplaces.
- Opening more outdoor spaces and allowing some larger public gatherings.
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and the continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans to limit health risks.
Stage 3: Further relax restrictions on public gatherings, opening all workplaces responsibly
- Opening all workplaces responsibly
- Further relaxing the restrictions on public gatherings. Large public gatherings such as concerts and sporting events will continue to be restricted for the foreseeable future.
- Continued protections for vulnerable populations and the continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans to limit health risks.
Guidelines will be provided for 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 employers during reopening.
While we are heading in the right direction as a nation and a province, this COVID-19 situation remains fluid, and much will depend on our collective actions in the coming days and weeks. This serves as a reminder that we all need to stay vigilant and plan accordingly. We at KMB Law remain with you during this time, and will continue to support and advise our small to medium sized business clients during this ever changing and challenging time.
Joanne Gilbert-Wiens is an associate in the Corporate/Commercial group. She can be contacted at jgilbert@kmblaw.com for further information.
This article is provided for general information purposes and should not be considered a legal opinion. Clients are advised to obtain legal advice based on their specific situations.
