April 7, 2021
As anticipated, the Premier of Ontario today declared a third provincial emergency and announced a stay at home order which will begin April 8 at 12:01am.
I have noted some of the restrictions and regulations here.
The full text of the announcement can be found at »» this link on the government of Ontario website.
Retail
- Non essential retailers will be allowed to operate only for pick up and delivery by appointment.
- Malls will have limited access restricted to specified purposes, including curbside pick-up and delivery, via appointment, with only one designated location inside the shopping mall and any number of designated locations outside the shopping mall.
- Discount and big box stores will be open for in-person sales but restricted to grocery items, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items only.
- Outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, will be permitted with a 25 per cent capacity limit.
- Specified types of retailers and services will be open, with some restrictions, for in-person service. These include:
- safety supply stores
- businesses that primarily sell, rent or repair assistive devices, aids or supplies
- rental and leasing services
- optical stores
- 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
Education
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.
Workplace Inspections
The announcement notes that “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”.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones emphasized the government’s advice that any employee who can work at home should be working at home.
The announcement also provides updated information about vaccinations and rapid testing.