Nearly all Ontario businesses and public spaces to reopen in stage three |
| Published July 13, 2020 The Ontario government announced nearly all businesses and public spaces will reopen in Stage 3 of the province's reopening framework with public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in place and public gatherings will increase in size as the province continues its path to economic recovery. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends emergency orders |
| Published July 9, 2020 The extension was made to ensure the province maintains the necessary flexibility to protect public health and safety as more businesses reopen and people go back to work. Read the press release. |
Ontario launches online training to promote safe workplaces |
| Published July 3, 2020 As the province safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government is investing $3 million to provide free online health and safety training for the first time. These virtual courses will make it easier for job seekers and workers to get essential qualifications, while practising physical distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Ontario courts gradually resuming in-person proceedings |
| Published June 30, 2020 Ontario courts will begin resuming in-person proceedings across the province on Monday, July 6, 2020. The gradual reopening of courtrooms will include strict health and safety protocols to protect staff and everyone required to attend a courthouse from COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Ontario celebrating Canada Day with free parks admission and extended free family fishing |
| Published June 30, 2020 The Ontario government is celebrating Canada Day by offering free day use at all provincial parks, and beginning on July 4, 2020, the province is offering free fishing for two weeks, double the length of last year. In addition, numerous Ontario attractions have special virtual experiences and events planned for July 1, 2020 which will help showcase Ontario's artistic and musical excellence. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends declaration of emergency to July 15 |
| Published June 24, 2020 This extension, approved by the Ontario Legislature, provides Ontario with the additional time, flexibility, and the necessary tools to safely and gradually allow more places to reopen, while continuing to support frontline health care providers in the fight against COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Ontario preparing for the safe reopening of schools |
| Published June 19, 2020 The Ontario government has released its safety plan for the resumption of class for the 2020-21 school year, outlining scenarios for how students, teachers and staff can safely return to classrooms in September. The plan also provides choice to parents, enhanced online learning, and additional funding. While the decision to return to the normal school day routine will continue to be based on medical advice, boards and schools are being asked to plan for alternative scenarios that may need to be implemented in September depending on the province's COVID-19 situation. Read the press release. |
Province enhancing COVID-19 case and contact management |
| Published June 18, 2020 As the province safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government is enhancing case and contact management to quickly test, trace and isolate cases of COVID-19 to stop the spread of the virus and prepare for any potential future waves. These additional measures include a comprehensive case and contact management strategy, Protecting Ontarians through Enhanced Case and Contact Management, and, in partnership with the federal government, a new made-in-Ontario national app called COVID Alert. Read the press release. |
Ontario pauses commercial evictions |
| Published June 18, 2020 The Protecting Small Business Act, temporarily halts or reverses evictions of commercial tenants and protects them from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19. The legislation applies to businesses that are eligible for federal/provincial rent assistance for evictions from May 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020. Read the press release. |
Province extends emergency orders |
| Published June 17, 2020 Current emergency orders will remain in place until the end of June, the government will continue to review each one on an ongoing, case-by-case basis to determine when and if they can safely be adjusted or lifted, as part of the province's framework to safely reopen the province. Read the press release. |
Ontario eases restrictions on weddings and funerals |
| Published June 15, 2020 Attendees required to practice physical distancing. Indoor services are limited to a maximum of 30 percent capacity of the venue and outdoor ceremonies are limited to 50 attendees. Read the press release. |
Ontarians encouraged to establish social circles |
| Published June 15, 2020 The provincial government is suggesting that people form social circles of up to 10 people that you can come into close contact with, starting with those you already live with or see regularly. This change is being made to help combat social isolation and improve mental health. Please keep in mind the following points when taking part in your social circle:
- Anyone who is ill or feeling sick should immediately stop contact with anyone in their social circle.
- Individuals at higher risk, including those over 70 and individuals with compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical conditions should take additional care when making the decision to expand their circle.
- While physical distancing does not need to be practised inside the social circle, other public health advice, including frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and not touching your eyes, nose or mouth should be maintained.
Read the press release. |
Ontario supports children and youth during COVID-19 |
| Published June 12, 2020 The Ontario government is investing $1 million to improve access to healthy meals and snacks for school-age children and youth during the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result of the province-wide school closures, the Student Nutrition Program has had to find new ways to support families experiencing increased food insecurity. Read the press release. |
Beaches and campsites to open at provincial parks |
| Published June 10, 2020 People encouraged to enjoy the outdoors responsibly during COVID-19 as more facilities and services will be available at provincial parks in certain regions beginning on June 12, 2020. Gradually over the next several weeks, Ontario Parks will start opening campgrounds, providing more washrooms and drinking water, along with roofed accommodations, park store and rental operations, visitor centres, and sports fields. It's important to check what facilities and services are available before visiting a provincial park. Read the press release. |
Province reveals plan for reopening postsecondary education |
| Published June 10, 2020 The Ontario government has developed a plan for the gradual and safe resumption of in-person instruction at postsecondary institutions across the province for the summer term. The plan was developed in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Read the press release. |
Province helps parents return to work by reopening child care centres |
| Published June 9, 2020 The Ontario government announced its plan to reopen child care centres across the province to support the next stage of the province's reopening framework. Developed in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and medical leaders at The Hospital for Sick Children, the plan will require child care operators to follow strict health protocols to ensure the safety of child care staff and children. Read the press release. |
Ontario permits more businesses and services to reopen in the coming days |
| Published June 8, 2020 On Friday, June 12, 2020 province will ease restrictions in communities where it is safe to do so, based on trends of key public health indicators such as lower rates of transmission, increased capacity in hospitals, and progress made in testing. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends Emergency Orders to support reopening efforts |
| Published June 8, 2020 The province has extended all emergency orders currently in force under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until June 19, 2020. Extending these emergency orders will give employers of frontline care providers the necessary flexibility to respond to COVID-19 and protect vulnerable people and the public as the province gradually and safely reopens. Read the press release. |
Province allows Short Term Rentals to resume operations |
| Published June 5, 2020 Owners, operators and guests must adhere to public health and safety advice and guidelines. Learn more. |
Ontario improving broadband and cell service for rural communities |
| Published June 3, 2020 Connecting residents and businesses deemed essential for recovery after COVID-19 as Ontario safely and gradually begins to reopen, the provincial government is investing $150 million in reliable broadband and cellular service. This funding will help create even more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of the province. Read the press release. |
Province extends Declaration of Emergency until June 30, 2020 |
| Published June 3, 2020 In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is extending the provincial Declaration of Emergency to June 30. The decision supports the government's efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and protect the health and safety of Ontarians as the province reopens in a measured and responsible way. Read the press release. |
Ontario outlines new initiatives to help people struggling with electricity bills |
| Published June 2, 2020 Initiatives include a one time payment for those that need to pay down electricity bill debt due to the pandemic, support for small businesses struggling to make payments and the extension of the winter disconnection ban. Read the press release. |
Province extending infectious disease emergency leave for workers during COVID-19 |
| Published June 1, 2020 The Ontario government announced that it has enacted a new regulatory amendment that will put non-unionized employees on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced by their employer due to COVID-19. This will ensure businesses aren't forced to terminate employees after their ESA temporary layoff periods have expired. Read the press release. |
Ontario introduces COVID-19 Recovery Rate for electricity prices |
| Published May 30, 2020 A fixed rate of of 12.8 cents per kWh, which will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 to October 31, 2020 and is based on the average cost of electricity. Read the press release. |
Backcountry camping available at Ontario parks and on crown land |
| Published May 30, 2020 The Ontario government is gradually reintroducing camping in Ontario Parks and recreational camping on Crown land, starting June 1, 2020, to give people more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, while staying safe and practicing physical distancing. Read the press release. |
Ontario opens up COVID-19 testing across the province for general public, frontline workers, first responders and workplaces |
| Published May 29, 2020 As the province carefully and gradually reopens the economy, the Ontario government is implementing the next phase of its COVID-19 testing strategy to detect and quickly stop the spread of the virus. Testing will now be available to more people in more locations across the province. Read the press release. |
Support for small business tenants and landlords now available |
| Published May 29, 2020 All commercial landlords in Ontario can now apply for rental assistance to help their small business tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative will keep more small businesses in operation and more people employed as the province gradually and safely restarts the economy. Read the press release. |
Ontario extending emergency orders during COVID-19 outbreak |
| Published May 27, 2020 Current emergency orders include the closure of outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery. Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters. Read the press release. |
As Ontario reopens, people urged to continue following public health advice |
| Published May 20, 2020 As the Ontario government carefully and gradually reopens the province, those taking public transit, returning to work or going out shopping are being urged to continue to adhere to public health advice as the best line of defence against COVID-19. To assist the public, the Ministry of Health today released specific recommendations on how to choose, wear and care for appropriate face coverings used in public where physical distancing is not possible, along with additional safety measures for provincial transit agencies. Read the press release. |
Ontario makes Health and Safety a top priority as schools remain closed |
| Published May 19, 2020 The Ontario government is protecting the health and safety of students during the COVID-19 outbreak by keeping schools closed for the rest of this school year. This decision was made after consulting with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, health experts on the COVID-19 Command Table, and medical experts at The Hospital for Sick Children. At the same time, the government is planning for the reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year, the gradual reopening of child care, and the opening of summer day camps subject to the continuing progress in trends of key public health indicators. Read the press release. |
Province ready to respond to wildland fire season |
| Published May 15, 2020 At 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, Ontario is lifting the Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) designation that was put in place last month across Ontario's fire region. The province will continue to assess forest fire hazard conditions and an RFZ designation may be reinstated in higher risk areas if conditions deteriorate. These restrictions are put in place in order to reduce the number of preventable human-caused fires and lower the risk of wildfires impacting the public. Read the press release. |
Ontario announces additional workplaces that can reopen |
| Published May 14, 2020 The Ontario government announced the retailers, seasonal businesses and health and community service providers who will be permitted to open or expand their services on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., provided that the general trend on health indicators continues to improve as part of the first stage of the government's reopening framework. The workplaces opening as part this stage are well-positioned to put workplace safety measures in place and get more people back to work, while not overburdening public transit and other services. Read the press release. |
Ontario making prescription drugs more affordable during COVID-19 |
| Published May 13, 2020 Effective today, people using the Ontario Drug Benefit Program will not be required to pay any co-payment until July 1, 2020 for any prescription of 30+ days that is now being dispensed in installments. In addition, existing and new Trillium Drug Program households can apply for an income reassessment to help reduce the financial burden for families during the outbreak. Read the press release. |
Declaration of Emergency extended while Ontario gradually reopens the economy |
| Published May 12, 2020 The Declaration of Emergency has been extended until June 2 and will allow Ontario to continue to enforce current emergency orders, such as restricting retirement and long-term care home employees from working in more than one facility and prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people. This additional time will ensure the province has the necessary tools and health care capacity to contain COVID-19, while gradually reopening businesses, services, and amenities safely. Read the press release. |
Ontario retail stores open for curbside pickup and delivery |
| Published May 11, 2020 Starting today, more people will be returning to work across the province as the Ontario government allows retail stores with a street entrance to offer curbside pickup and delivery. Over the weekend, garden centres, nurseries, hardware stores and safety supply stores began offering in-store purchasing. All retailers should follow available safety guidelines in order to protect staff, consumers and the general public during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the press release. |
Ontario opening Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves |
| Published May 11, 2020 The Ontario government is opening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use access. The first areas will open on Monday May 11, 2020, with the remaining areas opening on Friday May 15, 2020. At this time, recreational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Read the press release. |
Ontario supports job creators as people start returning to work |
| Published May 8, 2020 Government continues to prepare for the next stages of reopening the economy. Read the press release. |
Province releases plan to resume scheduled surgeries and procedures |
| Published May 7, 2020 The Ontario government has developed a comprehensive framework to help hospitals assess their readiness and begin planning for the gradual resumption of scheduled surgeries and procedures, while maintaining capacity to respond to COVID-19. Timelines will vary from hospital to hospital and be conditional on approval by regional oversight tables involved with planning and coordinating Ontario's response to COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Ontario further eases restrictions on retail stores and essential construction |
| Published May 6, 2020 The province is allowing all retail stores with a street entrance to provide curbside pickup and delivery, as well as in-store payment and purchases at garden centres, nurseries, hardware stores and safety supply stores. The business owners should review the health and safety guidelines developed by the province and its health and safety association partners. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends electricity rate relief |
| Published May 6, 2020 The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read the press release. |
Ontario significantly increases daily lab testing for COVID-19 |
| Published May 4, 2020 Ontario has significantly increased testing and contact tracing capacity, allowing health experts to identify cases of COVID-19 and support efforts to stop the spread of the virus in the community, long-term care homes, and other congregate settings. In partnership with Ontario Health, Public Health Ontario, local public health units, and hospital and community laboratories, the Ontario government has developed an integrated laboratory system which has established the province as a national leader in daily testing volumes per capita. Read the press release. |
Province issues emergency orders to help better manage health care resources |
| Published May 1, 2020 Ontario issued new temporary emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to support the immediate needs of the province's hospitals and health care workers so they can better manage critical health care human resources during COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Certain businesses allowed to reopen under strict safety guidelines |
| Published May 1, 2020 The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses like marinas and garden centres and some essential construction projects. Read the press release. |
Province releases new 511 app to help trucking industry |
| Published May 1, 2020 The Ontario government is offering a new free 511 app which will provide truck drivers immediate access to the information they need to stay safe, fed and rested while delivering essential goods across the province during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ontario 511 pilot app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play. Read the press release. |
Ontario providing employers with workplace safety guidelines |
| Published April 30, 2020 The province is ensuring employers have the safety guidelines they need to protect workers, customers, and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy. Read the press release. |
More frontline workers eligible for emergency child care |
| Published April 29, 2020 People who work in the food supply chain, retirement homes, grocery stores and pharmacies, and certain federal employees, including the military will now be eligible to receive emergency child care. Read the press release. |
Province launches new website to help businesses overcome the challenges of COVID-19 |
| Published April 28, 2020 The Ontario government is launching the COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers website to help businesses overcome the unique challenges created by the global pandemic. Businesses working to retool their operations to produce health-related products, or those that want to continue their operations in this new environment of physical distancing, can submit any potential roadblocks to the website. The province is prepared to allow temporary changes to provincial rules and regulations in order to remove any barriers that are hindering business and negatively impacting Ontario's supply chain. Read the press release. |
Ontario unveils guiding principles to reopen the province |
| Published April 27, 2020 The Ontario government has released A Framework for Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. Read the press release. |
School closures extended to May 31 to keep students, staff and families safe |
| Published April 26, 2020 Students will still be able to complete the school year. Read the press release. |
Ontario supporting frontline heroes with pandemic pay |
| Published April 25, 2020 The temporary payment will provide four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee's hourly wage. In addition, employees working over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. The extra payment will be given to staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals. Read the press release. |
Ontario parks to remain closed until May 31, 2020 |
| Published April 25, 2020 Extension required to keep people safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Governments invest $2.5 million to grow agri-food e-business during COVID-19 |
| Published April 24, 2020 The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products. Read the press release. |
Ontario provides urgent relief for small businesses and landlords |
| Published April 24, 2020 Rent assistance in addition to billions in measures to support business during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends emergency orders |
| Published April 23, 2020 On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is extending all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 6, 2020. This extension will help protect the health and well-being of people across the province and stop the spread of COVID-19. Read the press release. |
Ontario delivers action plan to increase protection for vulnerable people and those who care for them |
| Published April 23, 2020 This plan builds on the government's previous actions to protect people living in high-risk settings, including homes serving those with developmental disabilities, shelters for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking, children's residential settings, and those residential settings supporting vulnerable Indigenous individuals and families both on and off reserve. Read the press release. |
Ontario takes immediate steps to further protect long-term care residents and staff during COVID-19 outbreak |
| Published April 22, 2020 The government has introduced more aggressive testing, screening, and surveillance, deployed specialized teams from hospitals, public health and the home care sector, recruited additional frontline staff, and increased personal protective equipment. Read the press release. |
Ontario providing additional relief to the province's most vulnerable |
| Published April 21, 2020 The Ontario government is delivering much-needed support to Ontario's most vulnerable citizens, including seniors and persons with disabilities, during the outbreak of COVID-19. The province is investing $11 million to help deliver meals, medicines and other essentials to those in need and doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payments. Read the press release. |
Health experts say the COVID-19 outbreak has likely peaked in Ontario |
| Published April 20, 2020 Modelling shows physical distancing still needed to prevent further spread. Read the press release. |
Ontario school boards to provide iPads with data plans to students in need |
| Published April 17, 2020 The Ontario government has partnered with Rogers Communications and Apple to help meet the educational needs of students and families during the COVID-19 outbreak. iPad devices are being purchased and distributed by Ontario school boards, pre-equipped with free Rogers LTE wireless data. Apple is providing ongoing support in French and English to teachers, parents and students, with a collection of resources to support learning and working from home. Read the press release. |
Province offers emergency child care to more frontline staff |
| Published April 17, 2020 The Ontario government is expanding the list of essential workers eligible to receive emergency child care. This will help additional frontline staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. An emergency order was issued which will offer support to those providing a variety of critical services including people who assist vulnerable communities, emergency response and law enforcement sector staff, more health and safety workers, and certain federal employees. Read the press release. |
Ontario takes further action to protect vulnerable people from COVID-19 |
| Published April 17, 2020 Province makes it easier to reassign staff where they are needed most and allow for greater flexibiliy in who is hired during this critial time. Read the press release. |
Ontario enables auto insurance companies to provide driver rebates during pandemic |
| Published April 16, 2020 The Ontario government is enabling auto insurance companies to provide temporary insurance premium rebates to drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province has amended a regulation under the Insurance Act to help ease the financial pressure on working people and families during this public health crisis. Read the press release. |
Province adds more than 2,000 acute care and critical care beds and enacts pandemic staffing plans |
| Published April 16, 2020 Ontario has added 1,035 acute care beds and 1,492 critical care beds and taken steps to ensure hospitals have the staff available to care for a sudden surge in patients. Read the press release. |
Ontario ramping up protection for long-term care residents |
| Published April 15, 2020 In order to better protect the most vulnerable and stop the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care homes, the Ontario government has developed a robust action plan with key measures to be implemented within hours. In addition, the province has issued a new emergency order restricting long-term care staff from working in more than one long-term care home, retirement home or health care setting. Read the press release. |
Province extends Emergency Declaration until May 12, 2020 |
| Published April 14, 2020 On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and with the approval of the Ontario legislature, the Ontario government is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days. This will allow the government to continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the health and safety of the people of Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends Emergency Order for another two weeks |
| Published April 11, 2020 To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of people across the province, the Ontario government has extended all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until April 23, 2020, including the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and the prohibition of price gouging. Read the press release. |
Ontario accelerates essential construction projects during pandemic |
| Published April 8, 2020 Work on new hospital builds, expansions, and COVID-19 assessment centres will be able to continue any time of the night or day in order to help accelerate the construction of these important projects. Read the press release. |
Province launches online portal to match available health care workers with employers |
| Published April 7, 2020 The new Health Workforce Matching Portal will enable health care providers including retired or non-active health care professionals, internationally educated health care professionals, students, and volunteers with health care experience get matched to the employers in need of assistance to perform a variety of public health functions. Read the press release. |
Province creates partnership with volunteer hub to help seniors |
| Published April 9, 2020 The Government of Ontario is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the press release. |
Ontario starts planning for economic recovery |
| Published April 9, 2020 The new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Read the press release. |
Ontario providing families with additional financial assistance during school and child care closures |
| Published April 6, 2020 The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12 years of age, and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs. Read the press release. |
Province releases COVID-19 modelling |
| Published April 3, 2020 Ontario is providing the public with full transparency about the consequences should everyone but non-essential workers fail to stay home and practise physical distancing. Projected number of cases and deaths can be significantly reduced if people stay home. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends business closures |
| Published April 3, 2020 The Ontario government is reducing the list of businesses classified as essential and ordering more workplaces to close. All businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order must close as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days, with the possibility of an extension as the situation evolves. Read the press release. |
Ontario increasing public health units' capacity to stop COVID-19 |
| Published April 3, 2020 Ontario has launched a new user-friendly online portal for the public to easily access their COVID-19 lab test results to ease pressure on public health units. The province has also issued an emergency order that will allow public health units to implement critical public health functions, such as case and contact management, through the use of volunteers, including the thousands of retired nurses and medical students who have signed up through the province's website. Read the press release. |
MPAC issues COVID-19 update |
| Published April 3, 2020 The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has published updates on delays to 2020 assessments and other deadlines and services. Learn more. |
Ontario-wide fire ban in effect |
| Published April 2, 2020 The MNRF has issued an Ontario-wide fire ban. Due to ongoing safety measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be issuing any permits or exceptions to this ban. No burning of any kind is allowed. Learn more. |
Province announces additional funding for mental health support, victims services and justice staff |
| Published April 2, 2020 Ontario announced $4 million in emergency funding to support victims of domestic violence, other violent crimes and front-line justice staff. Additionaly, they have increased funding for mental health supports during the COVID-19 crisis providing additional resources to improve access to online and virtual supports. |
Ontario calls for additional support for truckers |
| Published April 2, 2020 In addition to keeping all 23 ONroute travel plazas open for take-out, grab and go and drive-through services, including washrooms with enhanced cleaning and providing portable washrooms at 32 truck inspection stations so trucks have a place to stop and rest safely, the province is calling for all businesses who rely on truck drivers to provide necessary facilities to make sure drivers can keep doing their jobs safely. Read the press release. |
Public required to identify themselves if charged with breaching an emergency order |
| Published April 1, 2020 People who are being charged with an offence under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) will be required to identify themselves if asked by a provincial offences officer, which includes police officers, First Nations constables, special constables and municipal by-law enforcement officers. Read the press release. |
Ontario extends school and child care closures |
| Published March 31, 2020 Schools and child care centres will remain closed to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Public schools will remain closed to teachers until Friday, May 1, 2020, and to students until Monday, May 4, 2020. As these dates come closer, this decision will be re-evaluated based on public health advice. The closure may be extended if necessary to protect the health and safety of students, families and staff. Read the news release. |
Province enabling postsecondary students to complete the academic year |
| Published March 31, 2020 The government of Ontario is easing the financial burden on students and making sure they can complete their studies during the COVID-19 outbreak by temporarily deferring payments for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loans and making online learning supports, including year-end exams, available to postsecondary institutions. Read the news release. |
Ontario issues two week extension to Emergency Declaration to stop the spread of COVID-19 |
| Published March 31, 2020 Emergency Declaration has been extended until April 13, 2020 and now includes mandatory closure of all outdoor recreational amenities across the province. Read the news release. |
Ontario increasing health and safety measures to better protect frontline nurses from COVID-19 |
| Published March 30, 2020 Directive addresses the ongoing stewardship and conservation of the current level of PPE supplies as the government aggressively pursues all available efforts to increase this supply to ensure the appropriate health and safety control measures are in place to mitigate the transmission of infections. Read the news release. |
Province urges those over 70 to self-isolate, investing $10 million to support efforts to protect seniors |
| Published March 30, 2020 Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is strongly urging those over the age of 70 or those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions to stay at home. The government is investing $10 million to help community organizations with the coordination of subsidized deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to seniors. Read the news release. |
Ontario enhancing public reporting about COVID-19 |
| Published March 30, 2020 Dedicated website at covid-19.ontario.ca includes expanded information of confirmed cases across the province with updates every day at 10:30 a.m. Read the news release. |
Ontario stepping up measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 on construction sites |
| Published March 29, 2020 Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer announced updated guidance to help employers better understand their responsibilities and what is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the job site. Read the news release. |
Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people |
| Published March 29, 2020 Based on the best advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective immediately. Read the news release. |
Province issues emergency order to protect consumers from price gouging |
| Published March 28, 2020 Premier Doug Ford announced new penalties to combat price gouging and hold offenders accountable for raising prices significantly on the necessary goods Ontarians need to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario taking emergency measures to support long-term care homes |
| Published March 28, 2020 Funds, resources and flexibility for the sector to support staffing and continue to protect province’s most vulnerable. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Province increases funding to add more beds, testing and protective equipment for frontline workers fighting COVID-19 |
| Published March 26, 2020 This funding will allow the province to take immediate action to increase the number of assessment centres, add more acute care and critical care beds, improve testing and provide more protective equipment for frontline workers. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario allowing businesses to defer insurance premium payments for six months |
| Published March 26, 2020 The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario announces additional health care resources and support for people, jobs and employers |
| Published March 25, 2020 The Ontario government's action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Stop the Spread Business Information Line now open at 1-888-444-3659 |
| Published March 25, 2020 Businesses with questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario suspends time-of-use electricity rates |
| Published March 24, 2020 The Government of Ontario is providing immediate electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms paying time-of-use (TOU) rates. For a 45-day period, the government is working to suspend time-of-use electricity rates, holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers, who make up the majority of electricity consumers in the province. By switching to a fixed off-peak rate, time-of-use customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario implements enhanced measures to protect the safety of residents in long-term care homes |
| Published March 24, 2020 Ontario has enacted a new order under the March 17, 2020 declaration of emergency to ensure personnel are properly deployed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to keep staff, volunteers and residents in long-term care homes safe. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario closing at-risk workplaces to protect health and safety |
| Published March 24, 2020 The Ontario government will be ordering at-risk workplaces to close-down, while encouraging businesses to explore opportunities to continue operations through work-from-home and innovative business models. At the same time, the government reminds businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. View List of Essential Workplaces |
Ontario orders the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces to fight spread of COVID-19 |
| Published March 23, 2020 All non-essential businesses are ordered to close as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open will be released tomorrow. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario provides $200 million in new social services funding |
| Published March 23, 2020 The province will be providing municipalities and organizations that administer social services with funding to support them in their response to COVID-19. The funding will help municipalities and social service providers such as shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and non-profits continue to deliver their critical services, hire additional staff, and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation to keep clients safe and healthy. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario launches enhanced, interactive COVID-19 self-assement tool |
| Published March 23, 2020 Ontario has launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool. This new easy-to-use tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19. In a matter of seconds, this tool will help people determine if they are negative or it will provide them with guidance on where to seek care based on their needs. Launch Self-Assessment Tool For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario closes Drive Test Centres in response to COVID-19 |
| Published March 22, 2020 Based on the advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all full-time DriveTest Centres and part-time Travel Point locations will be closed. The closures will take effect March 23, 2020 until further notice. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario Takes Extraordinary Steps to Ensure Health Care Resources are Available to Contain COVID-19 |
| Published March 22, 2020 Ontario has amended its declaration of emergency to ensure health care resources are available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep individuals and families safe. This temporary order would give hospitals the ability to cancel and postpone services to free-up space and valuable staff, identify staffing priorities, and develop, modify and implement redeployment plans. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario urges business to join the fight against COVID-19 |
| Published March 21, 2020 The Ontario Government is launching Ontario Together, a new website that will help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. This initiative will remove barriers allowing Ontario's manufacturing sector to redeploy capacity towards the production of essential equipment like ventilators, masks and swabs. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Public Health Ontario's printable guides |
| Published March 20, 2020 This collection of guides published by Public Health Ontario includes easy to understand information on Self-isolation, Self-monitoring, Cleaning and Disinfection, and a Guide for Caregivers. Download Guides |
Ontario expands health care coverage |
| Published March 20, 2020 Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario to ensure drivers do not lose DriveTest fees |
| Published March 20, 2020 In addition to extending validity periods for licenses, Ontario has announced that no driver's licence applicant will lose test fees as result of a last-minute cancellation or not attending DriveTest or as a result of a DriveTest interruption in service. In addition to the road test fees, the "Fail to Keep Appointment" penalty fee will be waived. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario launches first phase of the Learn at Home Portal |
| Published March 20, 2020 The province has launched the first phase of Learn at Home, a new online portal that will provide resources for families so students can continue their education while schools are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario extending validation periods for driver, vehicle and carrier products, services and health cards |
| Published March 19, 2020 New regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Ontario declares State of Emergency |
| Published March 17, 2020 Ontario is using every power possible to continue to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families by declaring an emergency. As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
- All public libraries;
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
- All licensed child care centres;
- All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
- All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
- Concert venues.
Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier. For more details please read the news release on the Ontario.ca website. |
Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19 |
| Published March 16, 2020 Ontario has released an article titled Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19 detailing enhanced public health measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19. This article is an excellent resource for people to use to help protect themselves and others. |
Ontario Ministry of Health Information Sheet |
| Published March 12, 2020 The Ontario Ministry of Health has published an information sheet about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). You can download the infosheet below. For the latest information please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Download the Infosheet |
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