01-May-2020

Optimistic, Premier Doug Ford reopens some businesses but moves cautiously in the fight against COVID-19

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — On May 1, Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a statement at Queen's Park to allow certain segments of the province's economy to reopen. "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," he said.

Joined by joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ford announced, "We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment."

Beginning on May 4 at 12:01 am, the following businesses can begin operations:

• Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only.
• Lawn care and landscaping.
• Additional essential construction projects that include: 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.
• Automatic and self-serve car washes.
• Auto dealerships, open by appointment only.
• Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public.
• Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

"We're heading in the right direction," said Ford, who expressed optimism about more businesses opening in the near future. But he cautioned, "While we have made tremendous progress in our shared battle against this new virus, we are not done yet. We need to keep up the fight by continuing to practice physical distancing and good hygiene habits."

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