IMPORTANT UPDATE
Ontario Government Announcement – March 9th, 2022
The government of Ontario announced its plan to lift mask mandates and other remaining measures in the province. These changes are intended to move Ontario into a long-term approach to managing COVID-19 and is based on positive trends in cases and vaccination rates.
The timelines for lifting the outstanding measures is as follows (high level):
- March 14th – Mandatory vaccination policies end. Organisations can retain their own policies. The province will continue to provide rapid-antigen tests to organisations.
- March 21st – Most mask mandates end. March 21st will see the removal of most masking requirements, including schools. Exceptions to this include public transit, long-term care, retirement homes, and other health-care settings, jails and congregate care and living settings, including homes for individuals with developmental disabilities – these setting will continue to require face masks until April 27th (below).
- March 28th – Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) expires. Final extension of ROA emergency order for 30 days.
- April 27th – All remaining measures, directives and orders end. Removal of masking requirements in all remaining settings. Province will continue to provide rapid-antigen tests and PPE.
The full press release can be found here, this includes details on COVID-19 reporting and case management.
For local updates and additional measures for Dufferin County, please visit WDG Public Health.
Resources
This list is categorised by regional, provincial and national resources to help small businesses. Industry specific resources, including guides and printable signs, are also included.
This list will be updated as new resources and updates become available. Please refer back to this page frequently.
Small business - KEY RESOURCES
Local entities providing small business support and services.
Dufferin Board of Trade – Consolidated page with resource links for businesses
Dufferin Board of Trade – Program and Resource Summary
Orangeville Economic Development / Town of Orangeville – Businesses
List of Ontario resources for small businesses.
Business Development Bank of Canada – How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business
Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Resources
Canadian Government – Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Canadian Government – Wage Subsidies and Credit
Canadian Government – Understanding ROE (Records of Employment Forms)
Canadian Government – Small Business Aid
Canadian Government – Work-Sharing Program
Canadian Government – Hotline for Small Businesses seeking financial planning advice
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) – Small Business Help Centre
Centre for Businesses – Regional loans for businesses who do not qualify for federal relief
CERS – Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy. CERS has replaced
CECRA – Canada Commercial Rent Assistance that expired in September 2020.
CFIB – Small Business Resources, including funding and subsidy information.
FedDev Ontario – Southern Ontario Regional Development
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) – Supports the tourism sector in Ontario
The below links provide the latest measures and updates from the provincial government and local authorities.
Ontario Newsroom – Latest news and updates for the province.
Public Health Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph – Latest measures for Dufferin County.
Printable signs, informational videos, and access to PPE.
Public Health Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph – Printable signs for businesses
Social Distancing PPE – Plexi Glass Shields for businesses
Proforma – Face Masks
Proforma – PPE Supplies
Dufferin Supply – Hand Sanitiser
WSPS – Get Back to Work Safely – Videos