By Siva Sivapragasam
After almost a three – month period of shutdown of economic activity Ontario is gradually recovering from the COVID-19 disaster and moving fast towards normalcy.
The Government has laid down a framework to reopen economic activity and business services through a three stage programme while maintaining the health and safety of the people as a priority measure.
Stage1 of the framework provides businesses owners,workers, and families with the information they need to reopen safely in this new environment and make the restart of Ontario’s economy a success.
The first stage of reopening focused on workplaces that are well-positioned to follow public health advice to maintain physical distancing,implement workplace safety guidance and limit gatherings.
Stage 1also lessened the pressure on public transit and other servicesgiving them more time to safely prepare for future stages.Public Health officials will monitor progress of each stage to lower the risk of outbreaks and prevent a surge in the health system. Working from home and staying home will continue to be crucial in stopping this pandemic.
Stage 2 will take a regional approach to opening more businesses and services, as well as community, recreational and outdoor spaces, and places of religious worship, while emphasizing public health advice and personal responsibility.
Phase 3 will focus on creating jobs and opportunity across the province, while working to restore long term prosperity for the benefit of every individual and family in Ontario.
The path to recovery depends on continued efforts in stopping the spread of this virus and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances on the ground.The Government also plans to payapproximately 375,000 frontline health-care workers a pandemic pay premium.
If everyone across the province keeps doing their part, the Government expects success in the fight against this virus and the province will emerge ready for a strong recovery.
