Ontario returns 27 public health regions to COVID-19 framework

The Ontario government will transition 27 public health regions from the shutdown and into the revised COVID-19 response framework on Tuesday, February 16 at 12:01AM. These regions will no longer be subject to the stay-at-home order.

Four public health regions: Toronto Public Health, Peel Public Health, York Region Public Health and North Bay Parry Sound District, will remain in shutdown: the stay-at-home order and all existing workplace safety measures will apply for these four regions, including dealerships operating by appointment only, and only opening between 7:00AM and 8:00PM. The shutdown will continue to apply until at least Monday, February 22.

The 27 regions returning to the framework will stay at their assigned level for at least two weeks. The provincial government will determine if a region should remain at its assigned level or move into a different level. Dealerships that have moved into the COVID-19 response framework (from Grey Zone to Green Zone) are no longer required to operate by appointment only, confirmed by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services on February 12, 2021. Masks should be worn by everyone participating in a test drive. Vehicles should be properly disinfected before and after each test drive.

Please review the province’s announcement to identify if and where your region will re-enter the framework on Tuesday, February 16.

Under the COVID-19 response framework, there are five public health measures zones. As regions move through these zones, dealers will be able to open to the public with fewer restrictions as outlined below.

GREY – LOCKDOWN

• Open for business but at 25 per cent capacity
• A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
• Retailers must post capacity limits publicly
• Retailers must have passive screening for patrons
• Individuals must physically distance and wear a face covering

RED – CONTROL

• Open for business but at 50 per cent capacity
• A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
• Retailers must post capacity limits publicly
• Retailers must have passive screening for patrons
• Line-ups and patrons congregating outside must be managed by venue; 2 metres distance inside and outside; face coverings are required in line
• Limit music volume to be low enough so normal conversation is possible
• Individuals must physically distance and wear a face covering

ORANGE – RESTRICT

• Open for business no capacity restrictions
• Retailers must have passive screening for patrons
• A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
• Line-ups and patrons congregating outside must be managed by venue; 2 metres distance inside and outside; face coverings are required in line
• Limit music volume to be low enough so normal conversation is possible
• Individuals must physically distance and wear a face covering

YELLOW – PROTECT

• Open for business no capacity restrictions
• Retailers must have passive screening for patrons
• A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
• Line-ups and patrons congregating outside must be managed by venue; 2 metres distance inside and outside; face coverings are required in line
• Limit music volume to be low enough so normal conversation is possible
• Individuals must physically distance and wear a face covering

GREEN – PREVENT

• Open for business no capacity restrictions
• Retailers must have passive screening for patrons
• A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request
• Line-ups and patrons congregating outside must be managed by venue; 2 metres distance inside and outside; face coverings are required in line
• Individuals must physically distance and wear a face covering

Questions about what each level means can be directed to [email protected] or the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services’ Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.