COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

Last updated: October 16, 2020 at 2:10 p.m.

The City of Toronto is overseeing the safe restart of many businesses and services in accordance with Provincial legislation. This page provides links to COVID-19 guidance documents that help businesses and community organizations reopen safely.

Toronto’s Stage of Reopening

Toronto is currently in a modified Stage 2 of reopening as of October 10, when the Province implemented targeted measures in Toronto that will last at least 28 days to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures impact high-contact locations, such as:

  • indoor food and drink services
  • indoor gyms and fitness centres
  • casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
  • cinemas
  • performing arts centres and venues
  • spectator areas in racing venues
  • interactive exhibits in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres or landmarks
  • personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. facials)
  • team sports, except for training sessions
  • conference and convention centres, except where there are courts

This is in accordance with the Provincial Reopening Ontario Act (July 24) that provides direction on reopening.

Search for Reopening Guidelines & Resources

Search the table below for your business’ re-opening date, relevant health guidelines, City resources and advice. 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.

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
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

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
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
Sports and recreational fitness activities and facilities

Stage 1 – May 19

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
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
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
Short-term rentals Stage 1 – June 5
Personal care services

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
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

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
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

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 

 Toronto Public Health Guidelines for tour and guide services
Water recreational facilities

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
Outdoor recreational facilities

Stage 2 – June 24

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 

 Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities
Beaches, parks & camping

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
Team sports and live sporting events

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
Live shows, performing arts and movie theatres

Stage 2 – June 24 

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
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 drop boxes

Stage 3: reopening with some modifications
Community centres

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 

 Toronto Public Health Guidelines for parks and recreation facilities
Attractions & heritage institutions (includes interactive exhibits)

Stage 2 – June 24

Stage 3 – July 31

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 

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

Modified Stage 2 – Oct 10 
Correctional facilities Modified with no closure Toronto Public Health guidelines for correctional facilities
Funeral homes Modified with no closure
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:

In-vehicle driver training (written by Infrastructure Health & Safety)
Employers, businesses & workplaces Multiple stages Toronto Public Health guidance for 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