On February 8, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced that when it is safe to do so, each region of the province will transition gradually from the Stay-at-Home order currently in place to a revised COVID-19 Response Framework. The phased reopening started in three regions, Hastings Prince Edward; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington; and Renfrew County, as they moved back to the Framework at the Green-Prevent level on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
The government is proposing that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply to 28 additional regions until Tuesday, February 16, 2021. For Toronto, Peel and York regions, the government is proposing that the Stay-at-Home order will continue to apply until Monday, February 22, 2021. Final decisions will be made based on public health indicators at that time.
The AGCO will resume updating its webpage table to assist licensees in understanding how the COVID-19 Response Framework affects them as their regions re-enter the colour-coded framework. Follow the AGCO’s Twitter account and check the AGCO’s web page table regularly as each new government announcement takes effect.
Stay-at-Home order measures continue to apply to licensees located in regions that have not moved back to the COVID-19 Response Framework. Please consult this blog post to learn more about public health measures affecting AGCO-regulated sectors under the Stay-at-Home order.
The government introduced changes to applicable restrictions in regions that move back to the Framework.
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At all levels of the Framework, retail stores must have passive screening for patrons (for example, posting signs outside the storefront about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms).
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Cannabis retail stores in regions subject to the Grey-Lockdown or Red-Control level of restrictions will be permitted to offer delivery and curbside pickup services during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.). The AGCO is amending Standard 9 to reflect what is permissible in the updated Framework.
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At the Grey-Lockdown level of restrictions, retail stores, including liquor and cannabis retail stores, will have a capacity limit of 25%.
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At the Red-Control level of restrictions, retail stores, including liquor and cannabis retail stores, will have a capacity limit of 50%.
For more information, please consult the government’s COVID-19 Response Framework.