As we continue to make progress in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities, including Brantford, can take step towards reopening as directed by the Province. It's been a long road. Everyone in Brantford, and beyond, has sacrificed much to slow the spread. While we still have a ways to go, our efforts are bearing much fruit.
In light of the reopening, we want to give a shout out to every business and employee in our community. Thank you for your patience and support. While you all had different roles and responsibilities during this time, you achieved the same outcome -- a unified front to stop this pandemic and the support of essential workers who kept us going.
As our economy continues these reopening steps, let's be sure to express our gratitude for each worker and business. Let's encourage each other as we build a stronger economy and a better community. Let's find new, creative, and innovative ways to support our local businesses.
We have collected information around the Provincial reopening stages to help businesses and employees understand the process and access relevant resources.
Ontario's reopening stages
Ontario is reopening businesses and public spaces in three stages, guided by the Framework for Reopening Our Province. Decisions about what to include in each stage are based on which businesses and spaces are best positioned to follow public health and workplace safety measures, beginning with those that are lower-risk.
| Stage 1 (May 19, 2020) |
Stage 1Ontario entered Stage 1 of reopening on May 19, 2020. Read the Stage 1 framework. How Stage 1 was determined
Businesses that can open in Stage 1
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| Stage 2 (June 12, 2020) |
Stage 2Ontario will be taking a regional approach to move into Stage 2. As directed by the province, each region will be permitted to enter Stage 2 when safe to do so as public health criteria outlined in the framework are met. Read the Stage 2 framework. Public health unit regions allowed to move into Stage 2 as of Friday, June 12 including Brantford. If you live in a region that is entering stage 2While Stage 2 businesses and workplaces can open as soon as June 12, dates and approaches may vary based on each community’s local needs and the ability of each business or service to meet workplace safety guidelines and public health advice. By following general public health advice and implementing workplace safety measures, workplaces and people can help make Stage 2 a success. Read about the regional approach Places that can open in Stage 2
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| Stage 3 (July 17, 2020) |
Stage 3Ontario enters Stage 3 of reopening on July 17, 2020. Read the Stage 3 framework. Nearly all businesses and public spacesNearly all businesses and public spaces can gradually reopen as regions enter Stage 3, with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place, while some high-risk venues and activities will remain closed until they can safely resume operations. Based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, indoor and outdoor gathering limits will also be increased to as many as 50 people indoors and as many as 100 people outdoors. Physical distancing remains a requirement for all people of Ontario that are not from the same household or social circle. For businesses and sectors that are either not able to reopen in Stage 3, or who are experiencing significant challenges opening with restrictions in Stage 3, the government is committed to working with you. Places and activities not yet safe to openThe following high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
All other businesses and public spaces can open, subject to ensuring the appropriate health and safety measures are in place, as well as gathering limits on gathering sizes, where applicable. More information on restrictions and gathering limits in Stage 3 is available below. Gathering LimitsAs regions enter Stage 3, the following gathering limits apply:
When do gathering limits apply?Based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts, gathering limits apply to higher risk settings and activities where people congregate, including:
Indoor gathering limits apply to events that are fully or partially indoors. Indoor events and gatherings cannot be combined with an outdoor event or gathering to increase the applicable gathering size. People at their place of work, including performers and crews, do not count towards gathering limits. |
Resources
Sector-specific guidelines
The Province is providing sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from coronavirus (COVID-19).
Ontario is releasing safety guidelines to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy.
These resources are available for different sectors. They will help employers and workers better understand how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Sector guidelines contain recommendations and tips for employers on how to keep workers safe on the job. Posters for both employers and workers also offer advice on preventative actions, including physical distancing and workplace sanitation. Employers are encouraged to download the posters to print and post in the workplace.
As new sectors of the economy begin to reopen, additional COVID-19 workplace safety resources will be added.
News
Local information around reopenings will be posted in our news section as well as on our Facebook page. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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