COVID-19 Update

As the warmer weather approaches, I am pleased to start off by sharing some encouraging news.

This week, Toronto Public Health officials observed early signs that our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 appear to be working. At this critical juncture, it is more important than ever for us to continue following the recommendations of Toronto's Medical Officer of Health by staying home and practicing physical distancing when we do venture out for essential purposes.
 
Today, the Premier announced that certain businesses and workplaces will be permitted to reopen – provided they comply with strict health and safety guidelines – as of May 4, 2020. In this update, you will find more information about the specific businesses that will be permitted to resume limited operations and the accompanying Provincial guidelines for reopening.
 
Yesterday, City Council met virtually for the first time in Toronto’s history and voted unanimously to extend the declaration of the municipal State of Emergency. City Council also voted to maintain the physical distancing emergency bylaws in parks and public squares.
 
Over the past few weeks, I have received several questions regarding upcoming property tax payments. In the City of Toronto, there is a grace period in place for all property tax, utility bills, and late penalties until May 15, 2020. The processing of all pre-authorized payments and post-dated cheques has been suspended during this period. You can find more information on the 2020 payment dates on the City's website.

As always, my team remains available by phone at 416-395-6408, or by email at councillor_robinson@toronto.ca.

Provincial Update on Workplaces Permitted to Reopen
Today, the Provincial Government announced that certain businesses and workplaces will be permitted to reopen, provided they can operate safely within the parameters of Ontario's strict public health measures.

The Province has also developed sector-specific health and safety guidelines to ensure that employees and customers are protected when workplaces reopen.
 
The following businesses will be permitted to resume operations as of Monday, May 4, at 12:01 a.m.:

  • Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;

  • Lawn care and landscaping;

  • Additional essential construction projects that include:

    • shipping and logistics;

    • broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;

    • any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;

    • municipal projects;

    • colleges and universities;

    • child care centres;

    • schools; and

    • site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;

  • Automatic and self-serve car washes;

  • Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;

  • Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and

  • Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

For more information, please see the Province's media release here: https://www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/certain-businesses-allowed-to-reopen-under-strict-safety-guidelines.html.

Jaye RobinsonCOVID-19