On September 24th, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, delivered…
Government of Ontario COVID-19 Resources for businesses, families and individuals
UPDATED MARCH 25 2020 10:14 am
The Government of Ontario has announced a number of important measures to protect public health and provide assistance for individuals, families, emergency services and businesses in the face of this unprecedented pandemic.
We will be updating this space as details of these resources are made public. If you would like more information or have ideas about how your business can help to fight Covid-19, please reach out to megan@pathwaygroup.com
BREAKING NEWS:
March 25 2020
Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
On Monday, the province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.
Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.
A complete list of essential services is available on the Government of Ontario’s website.
March 23 2020
Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight Spread of COVID-19: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-orders-the-mandatory-closure-of-all-non-essential-workplaces-to-fight-spread-of-covid-19.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p
RESOURCES:
Resources Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Learn how the Ministry of Health is helping to keep Ontarians safe during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Find out how to protect yourself and how to recognize symptoms. https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus?_ga=2.10488948.1366907886.1584923297-2141176795.1584020926
COVID-19 Assessment – If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, the government is requesting individuals should first seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to visit an assessment centre. Ontarians can do so by using a new online self-assessment tool, calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or calling their local public health unit. People should not go to an assessment centre unless they have symptoms of the COVID-19. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
Job-Protected Leave for Employees – On March 19th, the government introduced Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020, which received unanimous consent. The Act
provides job-protected leave for employees who are in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives. These measures are retroactive to January 25, 2020, the date the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario. The legislation will also make it clear employees cannot be required to show sick notes. https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/employment-standards-amendment-act-infectious-disease-emergencies-2020.html
Business Support
Ontario Together – The government needs help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support the province’s response to COVID-19.Through the portal, companies will be able to submit proposals for the government to procure required goods and services and share creative solutions quickly. https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus
Social Services Support
COVID-19 Emergency Assistance – Funding to help individuals and families in financial crisis who are not able to access federal assistance to cover needs such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other services during this public health crisis. https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/apply_online.aspx
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