• The Government of Ontario will begin further relaxations of restrictions on retail stores and construction on Friday, May 8th.
  • On May 8 at 12:01am, garden centres and nurseries will be able to open for in-store payment and purchases, operating under the same guidelines as grocery stores and pharmacies.
  • On May 9 at 12:01am, hardware stores and safety supply stores will be permitted to open for in-store payment and purchases, as above.
  • On May 11 at 12:01am, retail stores with a street entrance can begin offering curbside pickup and delivery, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s Guidance Document for Essential Workplaces and occupational health and safety requirements.
• In addition to easing restrictions on retail, the government is also expanding essential construction to allow below-grade multi-unit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums to begin and existing above-grade projects to continue.
• The Government of Ontario 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. This electricity rate relief, initially provided for a 45-day period starting on March 24, 2020, has been extended by an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The rate relief is intended to be in place for an additional 24 days.
• 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 19, 2020. A full list of the orders can be found here.

Reading recommendations:

•  Video: The world after COVID-19 with Niall Ferguson, Munk Dialogue (live at 8pm Eastern time)
• Why Weren’t We Ready for the Coronavirus? David Quammen, The New Yorker
• Anxious about COVID-19 and returning to work? Here’s what you need to know, Mark Gollom, CBC News
• Why the Accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests Varies So Much, Diana Kwon, The Scientist

If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.

It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of aCOVID-19. Remain at home unless absolutely necessary. Minimize contact with other people. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. Maintain a 2-meter distance from others if you are required to be out in public. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Previous updates can be accessed here.

Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.