COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

Last updated: September 21, 2020 at 5:03 p.m.

The BusinessTO Support Centre provides one-on-one virtual support to help businesses, not for profits and creative/culture organizations complete COVID-19 government funding applications, while providing reopening guidelines and resources.

Reach a Business Advisor

Learn about the economic support and resources the City is providing to businesses and download printable posters for your workplace.

The City of Toronto is overseeing the safe restart of more businesses and services as Toronto entered Stage 3 of the provincial reopening on Friday, July 31. On July 24, 2020, the Province enacted the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 to provide further direction on reopening.

Masks & Face Coverings

Wearing a mask or face covering is required under the Mandatory Mask or Face Covering By-law in indoor public spaces. Learn how this applies to your organization.

Search for Reopening Guidelines & Resources

Search the table below for your business’ re-opening date, relevant health guidelines, City resources and advice. If there are no specific Toronto Public Health guidelines listed for your organization, read the Health guidelines for businesses and workplaces.

We recommend that all businesses and organizations read:

Businesses/Organizations	Reopening Stage & Date	Guidelines & Resources
Businesses and workplaces	Various stages	Toronto Public Health guidance for employers, workplaces and businesses
Construction	Stage 1 – May 19
Faith-based organizations and places of worship	Various stages	Toronto Public Health guidance for faith-based organizations
Retail, shopping malls, and fitting rooms	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	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	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31
Health services	Stage 1 – May 26 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for harm reduction programs
Community services	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31	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
Sports and recreational fitness activities and facilities	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for parks and recreation facilities Toronto Public Health guidelines for community and allotment gardens Toronto Public Health guidelines for golf courses Toronto Public Health guidelines for indoor playgrounds Toronto Public Health guidelines for outdoor playgrounds and fitness equipment Toronto Public Health guidelines for gyms and fitness centres Toronto Public Health guidelines for arenas
Professional services related to research and development	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31
Emissions inspection facilities	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31
Animal & veterinary services (e.g. grooming, walking, and training)	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for use of dog parks
Child Care	Stage 2 – June 12 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health’s guidelines for child care centres & day camps Screening posters for child care centres and day camps City program: CampTO
Indoor and outdoor household services (e.g. babysitters, house cleaning)	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31
Maintenance	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for commercial or residential buildings Common areas and face masks posters
Short-term rentals	Stage 1 – June 5	Toronto Public Health guidelines for commercial or residential buildings (landlords entering a rental unit) Common areas and face masks posters
Personal care services	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for personal service settings, includes: Hair salons and barber shops Hair salons and barber shops in long-term care and retirement homes Nails and aesthetic services Tattooing and body piercing BodySafe personal service settings reopening poster Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars are not yet permitted to open
Personal services (e.g. house sitting, party planning)	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31
Restaurants, bars & nightclubs	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for food premises, includes: Farmers markets Stores Food banks Food trucks Restaurants, bars and other food service premises DineSafe restaurant reopening poster Collection of information notice Sample customer log Toronto Public Health guidance for adult entertainment clubs Buffet-style food services, private karaoke rooms, and dancing (excluding hired performers) are not yet permitted
Photography	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31
Media Industries / Film & TV	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Heath Guidelines for Film and TV
Tour & guide services	Stage 2 – June 24	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for tour and guide services
Water recreational facilities	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – TBC	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for recreational water facilities, including pools, spas, wading pools and splash pads City program: SwimTO Water parks are not yet permitted to open
Outdoor recreational facilities	Stage 2 – June 24	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities
Beaches, parks & camping	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for parks and recreation facilities City program: SwimTO Overnight stays at camps for children are not yet permitted
Team sports and live sporting events	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities Toronto Public Health guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings
Live shows, performing arts and movie theatres	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for drive-in and drive-thru events Toronto Public Health guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings Toronto Public Health guidance for adult entertainment clubs
Libraries	Stage 1 – May 19 Stage 2 – June 29 Stage 3 – July 31	Stage 1: curbside pickup Stage 2: computer access, scheduled pickup and returns at brand drop boxes
Community centres	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities
Attractions & heritage institutions (includes interactive exhibits)	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	Toronto Public Health guidelines for cultural and heritage institutions and attractions Amusement parks and table games are not yet permitted
Events & event spaces (e.g. convention centres, weddings and funerals)	Stage 2 – June 24 Stage 3 – July 31	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	Modified with no closure	Toronto Public Health guidelines for correctional facilities
Funeral homes	Modified with no closure	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	Modified with no closure	Toronto Public Health guidelines for Long-Term Care Homes
Transportation	Modified with no closure	Toronto Public Health guidelines for public transit & taxis and ride shares
Educational institutions & instructional services	Multiple stages	Toronto Public Health guidelines for educational institutions & instructional services, includes: Elementary and Secondary Schools Colleges and Universities In-person Instructional Services In-vehicle driver training (written by Infrastructure Health & Safety)

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