Vital updates:
- Effective Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., selected regions in Ontario will be permitted to move to Stage 2 of the re-opening framework. The GNCC has requested greater transparency from the provincial government and input from local public health authorities. Read our statement here.
- At this time, Niagara will remain at Stage 1. Please review the guidelines for Stage 1. Do not re-open your business if you are not allowed to do so. Businesses in violation of these rules risk fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act of up to $500,000 for director of a corporation, or up to $10,000,000 for a corporation, or imprisonment of up to one year.
- The GNCC has requested that the governments of Canada and Ontario consider the ability of businesses to pay for a proposed ten days of paid sick leave, and if the policy goes forward, offer compensation to affected businesses, perhaps on the grounds of CEWS eligibility or another measure of revenue loss. Read our letter to Niagara’s members of parliament here.
- A new bill tabled in the House of Commons would render Canadians unable to claim the CERB benefit if:
- They fail to go back to work when it is reasonable to do so, and their employer asks them to return.
- They fail to resume self-employment when it’s reasonable to do so.
- They decline a reasonable job offer when they are able to work.
- Today, 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.
Reading recommendations:
- With the increase in remote work, businesses need to protect themselves against cyberattacks, Michael Parent, The Conversation
- As Businesses Reopen, Some Workers Fear Returning, Sidney Fussell, Wired
- When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again, Margot Sanger-Katz, Claire Cain Miller & Quoctrung Bui, The New York Times
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 COVID-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.
