COVID-19: Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

Toronto Public Health is reviewing updated measures and guidelines from the Ontario government. Some information on this page may change accordingly, so please check back for updates. For more information, see updated guidance on testing and case and contact management.

Last updated: December 31, 2021 at 2:14 p.m.

Employers must immediately notify Toronto Public Health when they become aware of two or more people who test positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period in their workplace. Learn more about what to do if an employee has COVID-19 and preview the reporting tool.

Report an Exposure

To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, employers should establish a vaccination policy to protect workers and the public. See information on establishing a vaccination policy for your workplace and hosting an on-site vaccination clinic.

Find out if your business is permitted to open and visit the Province of Ontario’s website to learn about public health and workplace safety measures that apply.

This page provides links to COVID-19 guidance documents that help businesses and community organizations operate safely.

Toronto’s Health Measures

In Toronto, the following directives are in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The new COVID-19 variants of concern may spread more easily. It is more important than ever to follow these public health practices and get fully vaccinated to protect yourself and our community. Please refer to our Guide for Residents page to learn more about public health guidelines.

Search for Guidelines & Resources

All business and workplace owners and operators should read the Health guidelines for businesses and workplaces.

We also recommend that all businesses and organizations read the Anti-Black Racism Analysis Tool for a Radically Equitable COVID-19 Response.

Businesses and community organizations must follow Government of Ontario and City of Toronto guidelines. Toronto Public Health’s guidance includes both provincial and City recommendations.

Also learn about the economic support and resources, including one-on-one virtual support, the City is providing to businesses and download printable posters for your workplace.

Search below for guidance for specific sectors

Businesses/Organizations	Guidelines & Resources
Construction	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Faith-based organizations and places of worship	Toronto Public Health guidance for faith-based organizations
Retail, shopping malls, and fitting rooms	Toronto Public Health guidelines for retail stores and shopping malls Screening posters for retail entrances City Programs: CurbTO and CafeTO Webinar: Reopening Guidance for the Retail Sector
Vehicle dealerships and retailers	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Health services	T oronto Public Health guidelines for harm reduction programs
Community services	Toronto Public Health guidelines for community agencies Toronto Public Health guidelines for homelessness services and congregate living settings Toronto Public Health guidance for cooling rooms City program: Shelter Interim Recovery Strategy Guidelines and resources: COVID-19 Guidance: Emergency Warming Centres
Sports and recreational fitness activities and facilities	Toronto Public Health guidelines for parks and recreation facilities Toronto Public Health guidelines for community and allotment gardens Toronto Public Health guidelines for indoor playgrounds Toronto Public Health guidelines for outdoor playgrounds and fitness equipment Toronto Public Health guidelines for outdoor recreational amenities Toronto Public Health guidelines for sports and recreational fitness facilities COVID-19 vaccine information for sports, recreation, arts and culture organizations
Professional services related to research and development	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Emissions inspection facilities	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Animal & veterinary services (e.g. grooming, walking, and training)	Toronto Public Health guidelines for pet grooming and walking services Toronto Public Health guidelines for use of dog parks
Child care and day camps	Toronto Public Health’s guidelines for child care centres Guidelines for day camps Screening posters for child care centres City program: CampTO
Indoor and outdoor household services (e.g. babysitters, house cleaning)	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Maintenance	Toronto Public Health guidelines for commercial or residential buildings Common areas and face masks posters
Short-term rentals	Toronto Public Health guidelines for commercial or residential buildings (landlords entering a rental unit) Common areas and face masks posters
Personal care services	Toronto Public Health guidelines for personal service settings, includes: Hair salons and barber shops Nails and aesthetic services Tattooing and body piercing BodySafe personal service settings reopening poster
Personal services (e.g. house sitting, party planning)	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Restaurants, bars & nightclubs	Toronto Public Health guidelines for food premises, includes: Farmers markets Stores Food banks Restaurants, bars and other food service premises DineSafe restaurant reopening poster (also available in French) Collection of information notice (also available in French) Sample customer log Toronto Public Health guidance for adult entertainment clubs
Photography	There are currently no specific health guidelines for this sector. Please refer to the Health Guidelines for business and workplaces.
Media Industries / Film & TV	Toronto Public Heath Guidelines for Film and TV
Tour & guide services	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for tour and guide services
Water recreational facilities	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for recreational water facilities, including pools, spas, wading pools and splash pads City program: SwimTO
Outdoor recreational facilities	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities Toronto Public Health guidelines for outdoor recreational amenities COVID-19 vaccine information for sports, recreation, arts and culture organizations
Beaches, parks & camping	Toronto Public Health guidelines for parks and recreation facilities City program: SwimTO
Team sports and live sporting events	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities Toronto Public Health guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings COVID-19 vaccine information for sports, recreation, arts and culture organizations
Live shows, performing arts and movie theatres	Toronto Public Health guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings Toronto Public Health guidance for adult entertainment clubs
Libraries	Stage 1: curbside pickup Stage 2: computer access, scheduled pickup and returns at drop boxes Stage 3: reopening with some modifications
Community centres	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities COVID-19 vaccine information for sports, recreation, arts and culture organizations
Attractions & heritage institutions (includes interactive exhibits)	Toronto Public Health guidelines for cultural and heritage institutions and attractions
Events & event spaces (e.g. convention centres, weddings and funerals)	Toronto Public Health guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings Toronto Public Health guidance for planning a funeral reception or celebration of life Toronto Public Health guidance for planning a wedding
Correctional facilities	Toronto Public Health guidelines for correctional facilities
Funeral homes	Toronto Public Health guidelines for funeral homes and cemeteries Toronto Public Health guidance for planning a funeral reception or celebration of life
Long-term care homes	Toronto Public Health guidelines for Long-Term Care Homes
Transportation	Toronto Public Health guidelines for public transit & taxis and ride shares
Educational institutions & instructional services	Toronto Public Health guidelines for educational institutions & instructional services, includes: Elementary and Secondary Schools Colleges and Universities COVID-19 vaccine information for post-secondary institutions In-person Instructional Services In-vehicle driver training (written by Infrastructure Health & Safety)
Employers, businesses & workplaces	Toronto Public Health guidance for employers, businesses & workplaces COVID-19 vaccine information for workplaces
Entertainment venues	Toronto Public Health guidance for adult entertainment clubs
Bathhouses and sex clubs	Toronto Public Health guidance for bathhouses and sex clubs

Some businesses and organizations may have services that fit into multiple stages of reopening. Always refer to the Provincial reopening framework to understand what services your business or organization can offer within each stage. Ontario businesses who have questions can call the Province’s toll-free line: 1-888-444-3659