A message from the Government of Ontario
To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective 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 Tuesday, March 24.
“This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures,” said Premier Doug Ford. “But I have said from day one we will, and we must, take all steps necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of every Ontarian must come first. The health of you, your children, your grandparents and friends depends on all of us doing our part.”
Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt. Essential services may continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.
A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.
“Based on the advice of Dr. Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts at our Command Table, Ontario is taking further action to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These enhanced measures are necessary to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. Nothing is more important.”
“Our top priority must be to protect the health of the people of Ontario,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. “Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will allow the people and the businesses of Ontario to move forward from this unprecedented situation.”
“Our government is listening to our public health officials to ensure we take the right actions to support the health and safety of Ontario job creators and workers,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are working directly with businesses and workers across all sectors to support them in any way possible through this crisis. We urge the business community to share their innovative ideas and capabilities to fight COVID-19 through our new portal Ontario Together at www.ontario.ca/OntarioTogether
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Peter Smith says
Peter Smith Construction in Huntsville will be temporarily ceasing operations on our various projects as of Tuesday, March 24, due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
We were on the verge of the decision yesterday, but decided to wait on the official declaration of essential service from the Ontario government.
While I can only speak to our situation as a builder of mainly secondary weekend homes and cottages, I feel that residential construction at our level is anything but essential and unnecessarily puts people at risk.
After discussing the situation with our crew and various trade colleagues, we have come to the very difficult decision to suspend our work for the next two weeks. We will revisit this position and make a new decision based on the situation at that time.
This will undoubtedly cause a financial disruption for our company and our employees, as well as delaying the completion of our projects and the start of new work, but if we listen to the experts, this is the only way we will overcome this crisis and protect our families and fellow citizens.
As I type this, word is coming in that other contractors are taking the same position and shutting down.
As tough as it is, you have made the right decision.