Today, March 8, 2021, the Ontario government lifted the stay-at-home orders applicable to Toronto, Peel Region, and North Bay-Parry Sound District and transitioned these public health regions back into the province’s revised COVID-19 Response Framework (the “Framework”). Additionally, the province moved seven other public health regions to new levels within the Framework. These changes were previously announced on March 5, 2021.
Toronto and Peel Region have returned to the Framework at the Lockdown (Grey) level, while North Bay-Parry Sound has returned to the Control (Red) level. These regions are no longer subject to a stay-at-home order.
In addition, the following seven public health regions have moved to the following levels within the Framework:
- Control (Red):
- Peterborough Public Health;
- Public Health Sudbury and Districts; and
- Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.
- Restrict (Orange):
- Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit; and
- Timiskaming Health Unit.
- Protect (Yellow):
- Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit; and
- Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
Within all levels of the revised Framework, in-person shopping at non-essential retail stores is allowed with enhanced public health and safety measures in place. However, at the Lockdown (Grey) level, many other sectors—including personal care services, cinemas, gaming establishments, and meeting and event spaces—must remain closed, and food and drink establishments may only provide take out, drive through and delivery services. For further information on recent updates to the Framework, please see our previous blog.
As always, we will continue tracking COVID-19 related measures affecting employers and will post further updates as they become available to keep you In the Know.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.
This information is not intended as legal advice.