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A Further Update on COVID-19 – Ontario Government Eases Restrictions on Additional Businesses – Highlighting Best Practices to Help you Reopen Safely

May 7, 2020
by Israel Foulon LLP

Summary

Since our May 4, 2020 E-Bulletin, the Ontario government has announced the gradual re-opening of additional businesses under strict guidelines. The following businesses will be allowed to open in three phases:

May 8, 2020

  • Garden centers and nurseries will be allowed to open for instore payment and purchases.

May 9, 2020

  • Hardware stores and safety supply stores will be allowed to open for instore payment and purchases.

May 11, 2020

  • Retail businesses with a street entrance are permitted to begin offering curbside pick up and delivery.

Ontario’s newsroom announcement regarding the re-opening of these businesses can be accessed HERE.

A List of Best Practices to Consider in Order to Safely Re-Open your Business

  • The Ministry of Labour has partnered with Ontario’s Health and Safety associations to develop 60 sector-specific health and safety guidelines and best practices.
  • The full database can be accessed HERE.

Is your Business Opening for In-store Payment and Purchases?

Consider implementing the following practices:

  • Screen workers regularly for health issues;
  • If appropriate depending on the circumstances, provide employees with personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • Improve fresh air circulation with open doors, windows and fans to reduce buildup of contaminants;
  • Wherever possible, place physical barriers between employees and customers;
  • Offer hand sanitizer to all individuals who enter your workplace;
  • Clean commonly touched services after each interaction;
  • Ensure that staff and customers maintain physical distancing (2 Meters);
  • Payment by cashless transactions; and
  • Eliminate unnecessary tasks which may increase risk of spread of infection.

Is your Business Opening for Curbside Pick Up and Delivery?

Consider implementing the following practices:

  • Require employees to sanitize their hands prior to entering the workplace;
  • Cleanse commonly touched services after each interaction;
  • If appropriate depending on the circumstances, provide employees with PPE;
  • Establish procedures that either eliminate or limit customer interactions;
  • Require that customers submit their orders online or call ahead before arriving;
  • Require customers to prepay online or use credit or debit cards;
  • Ask customers to remain in their vehicles while their product is being loaded; and
  • Using signage/demarcations so customers maintain distancing while waiting curbside for pick up.

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.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice, which in all circumstances must be tailored to the specific facts of any problem. You should obtain a proper legal consultation in order to determine how this article applies to your specific situation. Please feel free to contact Israel Foulon LLP to learn more at 416-640-1550.