ORHMA COVID-19 RESOURCES
DineSafe.ca
Our new DineSafe.ca platform is a catalogue of best practices to help guide your safe and successful reopening. Developed by the industry for the industry because we are in this together!
Dine Safe - Meetings & Events Edition
ORHMA has gathered resources for establishments currently operating event venues. These recommendations provide establishments with guidelines on re-opening their spaces safety.
DineSafe - Take Out & Delivery Edition
As an addition to the DineSafe guide and website initiative, ORHMA has gathered resources for establishments currently operating with take-out & delivery services. By following these recommendations, we can design safe and welcome spaces that inspire public trust, so our industry as a whole can not only survive but thrive.
CovidInHospitality.com
ORHMA has launched a dedicated website for our members in order to access information that will help your operations during this pandemic. This website includes information on the virus, its symptoms and treatments, employment law information, complimentary webinars and more. Click here to view ORHMA’s dedicated COVID-19 in the Hospitality Industry Resource Site.
COVID-19 INDUSTRY UPDATES
Ontario Implementing Additional Public Health Measures in Toronto, Ottawa,Peel & York Regions
The Ontario government is introducing additional targeted public health measures in the Ottawa, Peel, York and Toronto public health unit regions. These modified Stage 2 restrictions will be for a minimum of 28 days and reviewed on an ongoing basis. These targeted measures are being implemented in Ottawa, Peel, York and Toronto as a result of their higher than average rates of transmission.
Measures under a modified Stage 2 include:
- Reducing limits for all social gatherings and organized public events to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event;
- Prohibiting indoor food and drink service in restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, including nightclubs and food court areas in malls;
In addition the following have been mandated to close in these regions:
- Indoor gyms and fitness centres (exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms);
- Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
- Indoor cinemas
- Performing arts centres and venues
- Spectator areas in racing venues
- Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, etc.
- Prohibiting personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. makeup application, beard trimming)
Reducing the capacity limits for:
- Meeting and event spaces to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
- Tour and guide services to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors
- Real estate open houses to 10 people indoors, where physical distancing can be maintained.
- In-person teaching and instruction (e.g. cooking class) to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, with exemptions for schools, child care centres, universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, private career colleges, the Ontario Police College, etc.
- Limiting team sports to training sessions (no games or scrimmages).
Ontario Workplaces Required to Screen Employees Daily for COVID-19 Related Symptoms
Mandatory COVID-19 screening requirements for Ontario workplaces came into effect on September 26, 2020. Ontario Ministry of Health published the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces.
Ontario Introduces Additional Public Health Measures Including Targeted Measures for Toronto, Peel & Ottawa
As the number of new cases continues to rise, the province is taking decisive action to prevent and stop the spread of the virus and avoid future lockdowns. These new restrictions were adopted through the amended order O. Reg 364/20 (Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario [A Flexible Response to COVID-19] Act, 2020). They include mandating the use of face coverings in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions, including corrections and developmental services. Read more.
New campaign calls on governments across Canada to freeze tax increases on beer
ORHMA, along with other like-minded business associations, has joined a national coalition titled "Freeze It For Them" to fight tax increases which would raise beverage alcohol prices for Ontario’s licensee. "Freeze it for them" is supported by farming groups, bar and restaurant owners, tourism and hospitality associations, manufacturers, brewers, and industry representatives.
More tax increases will set Canadian beer drinkers, bar and restaurant servers, and other industries hit hard by the COVID-19 economic crisis back even further.
For more information on "Freeze It For Them", visit www.freezeitforthem.ca
Ontario Imposes New Rules on Restaurants, Bars & Nightclubs
Ontario is imposing new measures on restaurants, bars and night clubs:
- Last call at 11 pm
- Closed for in-person dining at 12am
- Alcohol consumption prohibited from 12am - 9am
- All strip clubs in Ontario will be closed
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy EXTENDED
The Federal Throne Speech was delivered by Governor General of Canada, Julie Payette who announced that there will be more support for the business community.
We welcome the inclusion in extending the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until the summer of 2021.
The Governor General in continuing in the recovery announced ...”But there is still more to be done. Unemployment is in the double digits, and underemployment is high. One way the government will create these jobs is by extending the CEWS right through to next summer.”
There were no mention of the wage subsidy’s details and if any changes were in the works other than the government will ensure it “meets the needs of the health and economic situation as it evolves.”
There have been over 3.1 million Canadian being supported through CEWS. Watch throne speech.
New Legislation Introduced to Freeze Rent & Evictions
Premier Doug Ford outlined why he wants to see the tenant rent freeze passed as an affordability measure during the pandemic. "The crisis is far from over and the threat of a second wave is real, as are the challenges it will bring. That's why we need to take the necessary steps now to help families keep a roof over their heads and small businesses keep their doors open."
RESTAURANTS TAKE NOTE: Plexiglass / Barriers Add Seats
Plexiglass and other barriers are an effective way to increase restaurant seating. While the
" two (2) metre distancing" rule is well known by restaurant operators, many operators do not understand or are not aware that the installation of barriers such as plexiglass between tables are permitted and aid in increasing seating capacity.
The Provincial rules for opening Ontario’s indoor restaurant and bars in Stage 3 allow seating following these distancing rules:
The establishment must be configured so that patrons seated at different tables are separated by:
- a distance of at least two metres, or
- plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
These can be simple installations separating tables and booths that are back to back or dividing a table of four into four individual seats.
ORHMA's Summary Guide of Recovery Products & Services include numerous suppliers of plexiglass and barriers.
Extension of Termination & Severance Protection
ORHMA welcomes the extension of the temporary 13 week layoff deadline to Jan 2 2021. Extending the date supports business sustainability and protects employees from termination. This helps with having a job available for them when demand picks up. ORHMA has been a key advocator on this item and will continue to monitor the business climate for further extensions as needed.
Ontario Launches Online Training to Promote Safe Workplaces
As the province safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government is investing $3 million to provide free online health and safety training for the first time. These virtual courses will make it easier for job seekers and workers to get essential qualifications, while practising physical distancing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Read more.
ORHMA Speaks to Standing Committee of Finance & Economic Affairs on Impact of COVID-19 to Industry
The social characteristics of the hospitality are its strengths. We are about socializing, engaging and meeting with people. We have been hit directly in the heart of what makes hospitality thrive.
- Over 300,000 Ontario hospitality employees are laid off or not working any hours
- 50% of Ontario’s hotels have been closed and those staying open operate with skeleton staff largely accommodating essential service needs. We are seeing a 94% decline in year on year revenues
- Nearly half of single-unit restaurants are temporarily closed
- Ontario’s foodservice industry is on track to lose approximately $7 billion in sales in this Q2 of this year
As Ontario has entered the reopening stage, it is of paramount importance that hospitality opens and opens immediately. We are ready! We are ready to open by following safety protocols and guidelines which have been completed and released.
To continue, read full statement here.