April 28, 2020
by Israel Foulon Wong LLP

Summary

Since our most recent E-Bulletin, the Ontario government has announced details regarding its plans to re-open the economy:

• The government has classified the COVID-19 plan in three phases:
  • Protect and Support – the imposition of emergency orders and restrictions;
  • Restart – a gradual reopening of the economy; and
  • Recover – ensuring safety amid a “new normal.”

• The Restart Phase will have three stages:
  • Stage 1
    • Businesses that can immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health guidance and occupational health and safety, for instance through curbside pick-up or delivery, will be opened.
    • Opening some outdoor spaces like parks.
    • Allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events, like funerals.
    • Hospitals beginning to offer some non-urgent scheduled surgeries and other services.
    • Continuing protections for vulnerable populations and practice of physical distancing.
  • Stage 2
    • Opening more workplaces “based on risk assessments.”
    • Opening more outdoor spaces and allowing some larger public gatherings.
    • Continuing protections for vulnerable populations and continued practice of physical distancing.
  • Stage 3
    • Opening all workplaces “responsibly.”
    • Further relaxing restrictions on public gatherings.
    • Continuing restrictions on large public gatherings, including concerts and sporting events until the “foreseeable future.”
    • Continuing protections for vulnerable populations and continued practice of physical distancing.

• There are no set dates associated with the phases or the stages of the Restart phase. However, there will be two-to-four weeks between the launch of each stage to allow health officials to assess conditions before moving to the next one. The plan is being further developed on an ongoing basis, and further information regarding the workplaces that will be allowed to reopen will be released “as soon as it is available.”

• The government will rely on the following to determine when to ease public health measures:
  • A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily cases.
  • A decrease in the rate of cases that cannot be traced to a source.
  • A decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases in hospitals.
  • Increased and new ways of testing.
  • Quick contact tracing.
  • Maintaining health system capacity.

More information regarding the government’s plan can be found HERE.

Given the exceptional and unprecedented situation, we expect further developments in the coming days.

Israel Foulon’s Response to COVID-19

Israel Foulon is assessing the situation as it evolves, and is taking all necessary precautions within its workplace. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health of our team and clients, absent extraordinary circumstances we are working remotely until further notice whenever possible. However, please be aware that our offices remain open and are fully functioning. In the circumstances, we encourage our clients to contact us by phone and email to the extent possible. Voicemail messages left at our office phone numbers are immediately forwarded via email. All messages will be promptly responded to. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and would be more than happy to assist you with concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other employment or labour matters.