While most of the province’s health units remain in full lockdown, we are hopeful that our local businesses will be able to re-open soon. Below is a breakdown of what each of the five zones of public health measures created by the Ontario Government means for our businesses to help you to be better prepared as we move through the different levels of restrictions. 

For the most accurate and most up to date information always visit official government websites. Original Source: Ontario.ca

Overview of Colour Codes

GREY / LOCKDOWN | Maximum Measures

For retail: Essential stores including supermarkets, pharmacies, convivence stores, and other stores primarily selling grocery products may remain open but operate at 50% capacity. Other retail including discount and big box retailers, hardware stores, liquor stores and garden centres may operate at 25% capacity. 

For restaurants: No indoor or outdoor dining is permitted. Takeout, drive through and delivery are allowed, including the sale of alcohol. 

Personal Services: No personal care services are permitted to be open, this includes nail and hair salons, personal physical fitness, or sports trainers. 

RED / CONTROL | Stringent Measures

For retail: Essential stores including supermarkets, pharmacies, convivence stores, and other stores primarily selling grocery products may remain open but operate and are now able to reach 75% capacity. Other retail including discount and big box retailers, hardware stores, liquor stores and garden centres may now increase their capacity to 50%.  

For restaurants: Where physical distancing can be maintained indoor dining is permitted for up to 10 patrons. This means patrons must be seated 2 metres minimum apart or impermeable barriers are required between tables. Each table capacity is limited to 4 people. At this stage outdoor dining, take out, drive through and delivery (including alcohol) are all permitted. Restaurants must be closed between 10 PM to 5 AM. 

Personal Services: Personal care services are permitted if the service does not require the removal of face coverings. In-person physical fitness and sports training are not permitted at this stage.  

ORANGE / RESTRICT | Intermediate Measures

For retail: Retail stores can be open. All stores must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the store front about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms). 

For restaurants: Where physical distancing can be maintained indoor dining is permitted for up to 50 patrons. This means patrons must be seated 2 metres minimum apart or impermeable barriers are required between tables. Each table capacity is limited to 4 people. At this stage outdoor dining, take out, drive through and delivery (including alcohol) are all permitted. Restaurants must be closed between 10 PM to 5 AM. 

Personal Services: Personal care services are permitted if the service does not require the removal of face coverings. In-person physical fitness and sports training are now permitted, distance between patrons in areas where there are weights and or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes 3 metres of distance is required, compared to 2 meters in areas where physical training is not taking place.   

YELLOW / PROTECT | Strengthened Measures 

For retail: Rules for retail stores remain the same and can be open. All stores must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the store front about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms). 

For restaurants: Patrons must be seated 2 metres minimum apart or impermeable barriers are required between tables. Each table capacity is limited increased to 6 people. At this stage outdoor dining, take out, drive through and delivery (including alcohol) are all permitted. Restaurant operating hours are increased but must be closed between 12 AM to 5 AM.

Personal Services: Personal care services are now permitted; oxygen bars and saunas must remain closed. In-person physical fitness and sports training are still permitted and require the same physical distancing. Distance between patrons in areas where there are weights and or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes 3 metres of distance is required, compared to 2 meters in areas where physical training is not taking place.   

GREEN / PREVENT | Standard Measures 

For retail: Rules for retail stores remain the same at this stage. All stores must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the store front about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms). 

For restaurants: Patrons must be seated 2 metres minimum apart or impermeable barriers are required between tables. Table capacity restrictions are lifted at this stage, singing, dancing, and performance music is now permitted. Face coverings are still required when patrons are not eating or drinking. 

Personal Services: Personal care services are still permitted; oxygen bars and saunas must continue to remain closed. In-person physical fitness and sports training are still permitted and require patrons to maintain 2 metres physical distancing, unless engaged in a sport.  

IMPORTANT: This is an overview only. Always visit official government websites for restrictions, official public health measures and the most up to date information.

Original Source: Ontario.ca

If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.