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 Unveils New Tiered System for Managing Shutdowns
Ontario has unveiled a new tiered system for managing COVID-19 shutdowns based on the trends of each public health unit. The new system will allow regions to gradually increase or decrease restrictions as needed. ORHMA has built a dedicated webpage outlining operating rules according to the Provincial government's COVID-19 Response Framework.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.
DOWNLOAD: COVID-19 RESPONSE FRAMEWORK
ORHMA Welcomes the 2020 Provincial Budget - Great News for Hotels & Restaurants
On November 5, 2020, Ontario's Minister of Finance, Hon. Rod Phillips, released the 2020 Ontario Provincial Budget.
ORHMA's advocacy over the past few months has been impactful and we applaud the Minister and the Ontario Government for listening to our concerns and taking our advocacy into consideration in supporting Ontario's Hotels and Restaurants. 2020 has been a tough year with a long and painful road ahead for recovery. The Budget tabled sets the tone for success for those in the hospitality industry who face high expenditures and includes initiatives that are much needed.
On behalf of Ontario's hospitality industry, ORHMA thanks the Ford government for taking action in response to our concerns. Read more.
Open Letter to Doug Ford to Save Ontario Restaurants
A collaborated letter initiated by ORHMA and supported by 35+ leaders of the foodservice community in Ontario has been shared with the Premier's office as well as the media. This initiative calls for the government to stop system wide closures and publicly disclose their transmission data while highlighting the significant investment in PPE and safety measures taken by foodservice operators across the province. Read more.
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.
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
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.