COVID-19 Update for June 8, 2020 – All Province
Across the provinces
While the number of total Canadian COVID-19 cases has passed the 95,000 mark, all eyes are now on provincial re-openings. Here are the latest steps being taken by provinces and territories:
British Columbia – The BC government is extending its temporary ministerial order on technology in the public sector until the end of the year. Under the ministerial order from March 26, when pandemic concerns were escalating, patient-care teams were given the go-ahead to use tools like smartphones and text messages to connect with patients, those isolating got the greenlight to use chat apps to speak with health officials, and K-12 schools were allowed to use more digital learning platforms. BC’s tight rules on data and privacy mean that public sector staff can’t normally use these tools the way their counterparts in other provinces do.
Alberta – Alberta is expected to make its announcement on Phase 2 re-opening soon. For businesses re-opening, Premier Jason Kenney announced a series of further new supports: $200 million in funding for eligible businesses and non-profits to receive up to $5,000 each, to offset a portion of their re-launch costs. The government is also working on legislation that ensures commercial tenants don’t face rent increases or eviction for non-payment as the result of COVID-19 challenges.
Saskatchewan – The province officially moves to Phase 3 of the “Re-Open Saskatchewan” plan today. This includes the re-opening of restaurants, gyms, and places of worship.
Manitoba – There are no new measures to report from Manitoba since our last update.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford and his provincial ministers unveiled the next stage of Ontario’s COVID-19 re-opening plan, providing a rundown of a new set of businesses and workplaces that will be allowed to resume operations based on a cautious and regional approach. Starting Friday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. the province will increase the limits of social gathering from five to 10 people. Additionally, all places of worship across Ontario will be allowed to re-open at 30 per cent building capacity. The increased social gathering rules will apply to the entire province, regardless of whether the region is moving to Stage 2, but physical distancing rules will still apply.
Québec – The government today announced that restaurants will re-open beginning June 15. As with previous opening announcements, the hard-hit Montreal area will have to wait longer, in this case until June 22. The announcement only pertains to restaurants, not bars. Guidelines for today’s announcement can be found here.
New Brunswick – There are no new measures to report from New Brunswick since our last update.
Nova Scotia – There are no new measures to report from Nova Scotia since our last update.
Prince Edward Island – There are no new measures to report from Prince Edward Island since our last update.
Newfoundland and Labrador – The province today opens up another level by moving to “Alert Level 3.” Retail stores and shopping malls, restaurants, and personal service businesses have the green light to re-open. This also means that gatherings can expand to 20 people.
Yukon – As of yesterday, places of worship were allowed to re-open. The Yukon government has also updated its guidance document for essential services, clarifying the rules between now and the next phase of re-opening happening on July 1.
Northwest Territories – Starting today, travellers will be required to bring their own non-medical masks for their flights. The government has also issued a guidance document on its testing strategy, explaining their rationale on mass-testing, rapid testing, and asymptomatic practices to date.
Nunavut – There is nothing new to report for Nunavut since our last update.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team