News & Media

COVID-19 Update: October 2

October 2, 2020

Please see below the most recent updates on the federal and provincial governments’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal update:

Today, the federal government announced an additional $600M in funding for small and medium sized businesses through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. They are also set to announce changes to their U.S.-Canada border control measures later this afternoon. Prime Minister Trudeau met with all Premiers on Thursday evening at a First Ministers’ Meeting.

The Prime Minister was asked about his government’s upcoming border control changes. Prime Minister Trudeau said that infection rates from international visitors is low, and that his government would have more to say on these changes later this afternoon.

Minister LeBlanc was asked about the Federal Health Transfers to the Provinces, and when that would be happening. The Minister said the Prime Minister assured the Premiers last night that the date would be announced in the next 10-days or so.

Provincial update:

The provincial government announced additional health requirements for the province, Ottawa, Toronto and Peel region, and appointment-only assessment centres starting Tuesday, October 6^th.

Effective across the province immediately:

Individuals must wear a mask in all public indoor settings, including workplaces.
Social circles/bubbles are paused

Effective in Ottawa, Toronto and Peel region effective Saturday, October 3rd at 12:01 A.M.:

Bars and restaurants must limit capacity to 100, with 6 people per table.
Banquet halls must limit capacity to 50, with 6 people per table.
Gyms must limit capacity to 50, with 10 people allowed in group classes.

Effective across the province as of Tuesday, October 6^th:

COVID-19 tests at assessment centres will be appointment-only.
Testing will pause on Sunday, October 4^th, to allow for labs to catch up on the backlog of tests

Other News

The Premier was asked why indoor-dining is still allowed in restaurants, when both Toronto Public Health and the OHA has called for the closure of indoor-dining. Dr. Huyer responded by saying restaurants in Toronto are a significant factor of outbreaks, and that is why they are bringing forward restrictions in Toronto to decrease crowding and keep social distancing.

The Premier was asked about social gatherings and Thanksgiving. Minister Elliott said they are trying to limit people to their immediate households, but understands some people live alone and they may need to visit with another household for mental health reasons. The Premier asked people to keep gatherings and social circles tight.

The Premier was asked about testing moving to appointment-only, and if there would be a long-wait time to schedule an appointment. The Premier asked for the public’s patience during this transition, and said the change is being made to give people certainty and to help labs get caught up with the backlog.

The Premier was asked about Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Etches, holding a press conference this morning and saying the health system is in collapse. Dr. Williams and Matt Anderson said that they met with the Ottawa health leadership team yesterday to discuss building more capacity, and they came up with a good plan. Matt Anderson also said that moving testing to appointment-only will help free up more capacity.

James Barry
Executive Secretary Treasurer
IBEW Construction Council of Ontario