from the Economic Development eNews
On Friday, July 16 at 12:01 am, Ontario moved into Step Three of the provincial Roadmap to Reopen.
Step Three regulations are available on the provincial webpage Rules for Areas in Stage 3. Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place, aligning with public health advice.
The province is indicating it will remain in Step Three for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 75 per cent have received their second.
The federal budget received Royal Assent on June 30, which means the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support is confirmed until September 25, 2021.
The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) will also help businesses hire workers and increase workers’ hours or wages – retroactive to June 6, 2021.
Businesses can compare CEWS and CRHP to see which program is best for them by visiting the government webpage.
Rapid Screen Test Kits for Businesses
The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Ontario and Canadian governments, have launched the COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative.
Free rapid antigen tests for small and medium-sized businesses (150 employees or less) are now available locally. These tests are NOT considered as a replacement for mandatory health screening that your employees complete daily.
For more details, visit the Brockville Chamber webpage or the 1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber webpage.
The North Grenville Chamber of Commerce will be announcing more details of their launch soon. This program is open to non-chamber members no matter your location in the region.
