Ford allows more businesses to reopen

Premier Doug Ford has announced today that more business will be allowed to reopen as the provincial government works towards restoring the economy. 

Ford announced that garden centers, hardware stores, safety supply stores and retail stores will be allowed to operate on the following days: 

• Garden Centres/Nurseries will be allowed to open as of May 8, 12:01 a.m.
• Hardware/Safety supply stores will be allowed to reopen as of May 9, 12:01 a.m.
• Retail stores with a street entrance will be allowed to operate with curbside pick up as of May 11, 12:01 a.m.

The premier also announced that the province will be extending essential construction to include demolition work related to essential construction projects and multi-unit residential projects such as condos and apartments. 

Although the Premier delivered good news, he made it clear that public heath measures are still in place and must continue to be followed. Ford says “people will be able to shop in stores as longs as these businesses follow strict public health measures to protect staff and customers.” He announced that these businesses must follow the same guidelines that are in place for grocery stores and pharmacies.    

Earlier this week the province released 60 guidelines to help employers make sure their workplaces can be reopened safely ensuring workers, customers, and the general public are protected. 

Ontario is reporting 412 news case of COVID-19 and 68 new deaths. This brings the province to a total of 18,722 cases including 1,429 deaths and 13,222 resolved cases.