COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

Operating and re-opening guidelines for businesses

The province entered Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, July 16 at 12:01 a.m. For businesses, this means: 

• Essential and non-essential retail open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres, with no restrictions on the goods that can be sold

• Personal care services, including services that require the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions

• Indoor and outdoor dining with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions, with no limits on the number of people per table

• Indoor fitness classes and personal training permitted, with maximum capacity of 50% and other restrictions

• Guidelines for other businesses and organizations can be found at ontario.ca

Effective September 25, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits increased in many indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required as well as in certain outdoor event venues. For businesses, this means:

• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres; sporting events; concerts, theatres and cinemas; racing venues (e.g., horse racing); and commercial and film television productions with studio audiences will be increased to up to 50% capacity or 10,000 people (whichever is less) for indoor events

• For certain outdoor event venues where patrons stand, capacity limits will increase to up to 75% capacity or 15,000 people (whichever is less)

• For certain outdoor event venues where patrons are seated, capacity limits will be increased to up to 75% capacity or 30,000 people (whichever is less). 

Local businesses are encouraged to carefully review the sector-specific requirements outlined by the Province of Ontario to understand how they can safely operate. The Roadmap to Reopen plan includes information to help businesses prepare for the next stages of re-opening when permitted.

 Proof of vaccination in select settings

As of September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination along with photo ID to access certain public settings and facilities. This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:

• Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout)

• Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment)

• Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres

• Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport

• Sporting events

• Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

• Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas

• Racing venues (e.g., horse racing)

• Certain outdoor settings that have a normal maximum capacity of 20,000 people or more

Exceptions

You do not have to show proof of vaccination if you:

• access the indoor areas of certain specified settings solely to:

  • enter as may be necessary health and safety purposes

  • use a washroom
  • access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route
  • make a retail purchase
  • place, pick up or pay for an order
  • make a bet or pick up winnings at a racing track
  • purchase an admission
• enter as may be necessary health and safety purposes

• are under age 12

• are under age 18 and entering the indoor premises of a sports or recreational facility solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport

• have a valid document from a physician or nurse practitioner saying you have a medical exemption from full vaccination

Aligned with public health measures currently in place, indoor masking policies will continue to remain in place. 

Vaccine Certification Process

Should an individual choose not to share the required information then, unless the Reopening Ontario Act otherwise exempts them from this requirement, they will not be permitted to enter those businesses or organizations that require proof. In order to enter the business and organization, with limited exceptions:

• The patron must provide the required proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated, and;
• The business and organization must review and confirm the proof.

For a limited time period (on or after September 22, 2021 but before October 13, 2021), for indoor social gatherings associated with weddings and funerals (in meeting and event spaces) the negative result of a COVID-19 antigen test may be provided instead of proof of being fully vaccinated.

Guidelines for Ontario’s businesses, services and public spaces

Workplace guidelines

Businesses must follow local public health measures and workplace guidelines published by the Province of Ontario. 

At minimum, all businesses that are permitted to open must:

• actively screen employees (COVID-19 screening tool)
• post signs at all entrances informing people how to screen themselves for COVID-19 before entering (COVID-19 Signage Questions for Businesses and Organizations)
• limit capacity so guests can stay at least 2 metres apart
• make sure anyone indoors wears a mask or face covering, including workers who have to come within 2 metres of anyone else (with some exceptions)
• make sure workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects their eyes, nose and mouth when they have to come within 2 metres of anyone who is not wearing a mask or face covering or separated by plexiglass
• clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces
• manage line ups to make sure customers are at least two metres apart wearing face coverings or masks
• create a safety plan, post it in a place where workers and patrons will see it  and have it available upon request

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched an online customizable tool kit resource to help workplaces across Canada operate safely and prevent the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anchored by the COVID-19: Workplace Health and Safety Guide, the online hub provides one-stop access to more than 40 free resources to reduce the spread and protect everyone in the workplace.

Face coverings

The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit has issued specific requirements for local businesses including an order for mandatory face coverings in commercial establishments. On October 2, the province of Ontario mandated the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions. The Town of Orangeville has passed a by-law to extend enforcement of face covering requirements to local by-law and police officers. 

Financing and Cash Flow Support

Workforce Retention and Support

Rent Relief

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support for qualifying organizations, starting on September 27, 2020 until October 23, 2021. The new rent subsidy is available directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords. The CERS supports businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by covering a portion of eligible expenses, subject to certain maximums. To learn how to apply and calculate your subsidy, visit canada.ca. 

General Resources

Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 Resources and Programs

Province of Ontario's Small Business Recovery Resources

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) services, due dates and programs

Town of Orangeville Business Recovery Plan