COVID-19: Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

Last updated: January 15, 2021 at 10:20 a.m.

A Province-wide declaration of emergency is in effect. Find out if your business is permitted to open and public health and workplace safety measures that apply on the Province of Ontario’s website.

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

Toronto’s Health Measures

A province-wide declaration of emergency and stay-at-home order are in effect. In Toronto, the following directives are in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

  • Restrict close contact only to members of your household, and essential supports.
  • Having family or friends who are not members of your household in your home for a social visit is not permitted under provincial orders. Essential support workers and emergency repairpersons are allowed.
  • Outdoor organized public events or social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 5 people.
  • Businesses and workplaces must implement work-from-home wherever possible.
  • Businesses should review their HVAC systems to ensure they are in good working order.
  • Indoor dining, outdoor dining and patios are not permitted. Take-out, drive-through and delivery options remain available and are strongly encouraged to support local businesses.
  • All indoor gyms and recreational programs are closed, with some City-operated community centres open for community supports such as food banks.
  • Malls are closed, except for essential businesses.
  • All non-essential retail stores are closed, except for curbside pickup. Large retailers with a grocery section can remain open at reduced capacity.
  • Capacity of big box and essential businesses is reduced.
  • All hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and tattoo parlours are closed.
  • Meeting and event spaces will remain closed.
  • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments remain closed.
  • Stay home except for essential reasons, such as groceries and other necessities, including pharmacy visits, healthcare appointments, exercise, child care, and work, if you can’t do it remotely.

On January 4, 2021, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction to all employers in the City of Toronto permitted to be open under the Reopening Ontario Act. Employers permitted to be open are required to take the additional measures set out in this Letter to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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
Retail, shopping malls, and fitting rooms
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
Community services
Sports and recreational fitness activities and facilities
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)
Child Care Toronto Public Health’s guidelines for child care centres
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
Short-term rentals
Personal care services
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
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
Tour & guide services Toronto Public Health Guidelines for tour and guide services
Water recreational facilities
Outdoor recreational facilities
Beaches, parks & camping
Team sports and live sporting events
Live shows, performing arts and movie theatres
Libraries

Stage 1: curbside pickup

Stage 2: computer access, scheduled pickup and returns at drop boxes

Stage 3: reopening with some modifications
Community centres
Attractions & heritage institutions (includes interactive exhibits)
Events & event spaces (e.g. convention centres, weddings and funerals)
Correctional facilities
Funeral homes
Long-term care homes
Transportation Toronto Public Health guidelines for public transit & taxis and ride shares
Educational institutions & instructional services
Employers, businesses & workplaces

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