The Ontario government will allow certain businesses and workplaces to reopen just after midnight on Monday, May 4th, as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Friday (May 1) along with health minister Christine Elliott, economic development minister Vic Fedeli, and finance minister Rod Phillips.
Businesses that can open include garden centres and nurseries (with curbside pick-up and delivery only), lawn care and landscaping, automatic and self-serve car washes, and auto dealerships (open by appointment only).
In addition, golf courses can begin preparing courses for the upcoming golfing season and marinas can begin preparing for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water — but these businesses cannot open yet.
For marinas, boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
“We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment,” said Premier Ford. “While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely.”
Portions of the construction sector can begin operations again, including: shipping and logistics; broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure; any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services; municipal projects; colleges and universities; child care centres; schools; and site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development.
Although the Ontario government is allowing certain businesses to reopen, Ford says it is critical that people continue to stay home, practise physical distancing, and only go out for essential reasons.
