The Ontario government led by Premier Doug Ford has announced further reductions to the essential businesses list in the province, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement, the government says all businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order are to close by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 4.
The province's full updated list of essential businesses is available here.
The closure will be in effect 14 days with the possibility of an extension as the situation evolves.
“Teleworking, online commerce and other innovative ways of working remotely are permitted at all times and are strongly encouraged for all businesses,” a government release explains. “All supply chains necessary for the production of vital food and healthcare supplies are being protected and remain intact.”
Premier Ford deemed all non-critical construction projects non-essential, allowing only critical jobs to continue. The critical projects allowed to continue include industrial projects such as refineries and petrochemical plants and infrastructure projects such as new hospitals, roads and bridges.
New starts in residential projects will stop, while residential construction that is near completion will continue.
New restrictions will be put in place on certain retail businesses as well.Stores selling hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products and safety supplies —- will be limited to providing services only by alternate methods such as curbside pick-up and delivery.
Business-owners with questions concerning their essential business status are encouraged to call the Stop the Spread hotline at 1-888-444-3659. The hotline is available from 8:30 a.m. — 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m.— 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.