The provincial government announced it's taking another step toward reopening Ontario's economy by allowing select businesses to reopen starting next week, including retail stores.
On Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford said as early as Friday, May 8 at 12:01 am, garden centres will be allowed to reopen for in-store payment and purchases, operating under the same guidelines as grocery stores and pharmacies. This will be followed by hardware stores and safety supply stores, which can begin reopening on May 9.
On Monday, May 11, all retail stores with street access will be able to reopen to provide curbside pick up and delivery starting at 12:01 am.
READ: Select Ontario Businesses Can Begin Reopening Today
Premier Ford said all businesses must follow public health safety measures and review workplace safety guidelines, such as promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contactless payment options.
During his COVID briefing on Wednesday, the premier said in addition to easing restrictions on retail, the province will also be expanding the types of residential construction that can continue. According to the province, below-grade multi-unit residential construction projects like apartments and condominiums can begin and existing above-grade projects can continue.
"We haven't been sitting on our hands. Whether it's releasing our framework for reopening or putting in place the workplace safety guidelines needed to help businesses adapt to the new environment, we've been laying the groundwork for the safe, measured, and gradual reopening of our province," said Premier Ford.
"As the trends improve, we can move forward with reopening more and more of our economy and getting people back to work."
