London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated January 2021

London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated January 2021

Open for Business

October 27, 2020 - New guidance on using masks in the workplace

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has provided some new material in the Guide to developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan,

The recent revisions include new or updated information about several evolving topics of particular importance for many employers:

Active screening of workers
Air flow/ventilation
What to do if there is a case of COVID-19 in the workplace
The use of masks as source control

In addition to this, new standalone guidance on using masks in the workplace has been released.

The existing guidance note for the Restaurant and Food Services sector has also been updated to integrate key content from the Safety Plan and to provide information about the different uses of masks in the workplace as well as clarity on the use of masks with eye protection as personal protective equipment.

Ontario

* Ontario Regulation 765/20 has now amended Regulation 228/20, which is the Regulation that provided for Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL). The relevance of this amendment is that for the COVID-19 Period, temporary layoffs that exceeded the statutory time limits under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), no longer constituted deemed terminations - i.e. temporary layoffs that continued beyond 13 weeks in any period of 20 consecutive weeks, or temporary layoffs that continued beyond 35 weeks in any 52 consecutive week period and where benefits or other payments were continued.

* Furthermore and for the COVID-19 Period, it offered temporary protection to employers who did not have permissive layoff language in their contracts of employment (but were forced to temporarily layoff staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), from claims for constructive dismissal brought under the ESA.

* As a result of these protections, the COVID-19 Period has become a focal point for employers and following a previous extension, was set to expire on January 2, 2021. Regulation 765/20 which was recently announced, has since extended the COVID-19 Period to July 3, 2021, meaning that these employer protections will continue to apply for purposes of the ESA.

Federal

Similar announcements have also been made for Federally regulated employers and under the Canada Labour Code. Provided that the temporary layoffs were effected prior to December 31, 2020, federally regulated employers will now have until March 31, 2021 to recall their staff before triggering a termination of employment.

***

The Ontario government has released its plan to reopen businesses, services, and public spaces.

Here are the latest updates:

January 12, 2021 - Province Issues Stay-at-Home Order and Introduces Enhanced Enforcement Measures to Reduce Mobility

General Public Health Measures for all Businesses, Organizations and Facilities

Work from Home Except Where Necessary Each person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, with limited exception, for instance, where the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.

General Public Health Measures for all Individuals

*Stay-at-Home

*Physical Distancing
Every person in a place of business or facility that is open to the public shall maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person except from their caregiver or other members of the person’s household, with limited exceptions.

*Face Coverings
Every person in the premises of a business or organization that is open shall ensure that they wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin, when they are in indoor areas of the premises, with limited exemptions.

*Accessing Closed Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Amenities
No person shall use an indoor or outdoor recreational amenity that is required to be closed.

Read PDF file for complete update Here.

Announced November 3 - Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open.

As of November 7, 2020, the province will transition public health unit regions to the new framework.

The five levels of public health measures

Where there are regional restrictions or requirements, all provincial restrictions also apply. Read more about Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework here.

The Middlesex-London region will be entering the 'Grey-Control' zone on December 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

Here's what that means:

No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation
Limit of 10 people for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings, must comply with public health advice on physical distancing.
Weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies where physical distancing can be maintained: 10 people indoors, 10 people outdoors, drive-in services, rites or ceremonies permitted, subject to certain conditions, and virtual services permitted.
Elementary and secondary school students at publicly-funded schools would participate in remote learning from January 4-January 8, 2021. During the applicable period, schools will be closed, except for the following exceptions: for staff who are unable to deliver quality remote teaching, instruction or support to students from home, to provide access for child care centers in schools.
Post-secondary institutions open for virtual instruction, with limited exceptions where in-person instruction is required (e.g., clinical training, trades). Subject to physical distancing with limited exceptions. In-person teaching (each instructional space at the institution at one time) and in-person examinations cannot exceed 10 persons, with limited exemptions for: Diagnostic cardiac sonography and diagnostic medical sonography, Diagnostic ultrasound, Medical imaging, Medical laboratory assistant and Medical laboratory technician, Medical radiation technology, Medicine, Mental health and addictions services, including psychology services, social work services and counselling services, Nursing, Paramedic, Personal support worker, supportive care worker, home care worker or a similar occupation, Pharmacy/pharmacy technician, Public health inspector, if the program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, Rehabilitation sciences (nutrition, speech language pathology, occupational science, and physiotherapy), Respiratory therapy. Subject to additional requirements for in-person teaching that involves singing or the playing of brass or wind instruments.
Day camps for children are closed
Child care will remain open for the duration of the Provincewide Shutdown period. This includes child care offered in licensed centres, in home-based settings (licensed and unlicensed) and by authorized recreation and skill-building providers. During the period where elementary schools are operating virtually (i.e., from January 4 to 8, inclusive), licensed child care centres and authorized recreation and skill-building providers will be prohibited from serving school-aged children. To support the parents of school-aged children who may not be able to accommodate their child’s learning/care at home, the Ministry of Education will be implementing a targeted emergency child care program for school-aged children, at no cost to eligible parents. Operators of before and after school programs that are required to close from January 4-8, 2021 are prohibited from charging fees or otherwise penalizing parents during this time period (e.g., parents must not lose their respective child care spaces).
Businesses that supply businesses or places that are permitted to open within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate.
Take out, drive through, and delivery permitted only for restaurants, bars and other or drink establishments. Includes the sale of alcohol.
Shopping malls are closed for in-person retail. Members of the public are only permitted to enter the mall: to access businesses and organizations permitted to be open (e.g., pharmacy, dentist); food court open for take-away, or by appointment only to facilitate pick-up, access court services and government services.
Members of the public must maintain two metres physical distance from every other person in the business or facility. The number of persons occupying any room that is open to the public does not exceed 50% capacity of the particular room. Curbside pick-up and delivery permitted.
Meeting or event space only permitted to open for: the operation of child care centres and authorized recreational and skill building programs within the meaning of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, court services, government services, mental health and addictions support services (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) permitted to a maximum of 10 people, social services. Contact information recording required.

*More information about this update is found on the Ontario Government Website.

City of London – Impacts of Provincial Shutdown

With the Provincial announcement that Ontario will be under shutdown beginning December 26, there are a number of impacts on City facilities, programs and services. Effective December 24 at noon, City facilities including City Hall will be closed to the public. Many services will remain available, however, in person services will be by appointment only, at designated times or online.

The following provides an overview of the programs and services that are impacted by this. Unless otherwise stated, these come into effect as of noon on December 24.

Recreation programs, facilities, and memberships:

All community centres are closed for indoor drop-in and indoor registered programs beginning December 26. This includes day camps. Participants will be contacted by phone or email if their program has been affected and will receive full refunds for any fee-based programs.

Registration and start dates for indoor recreation programs that were scheduled to start in January will be suspended. When the Province has ended the shutdown, staff will contact participants who have registered for programs with information about a revised start date for Winter programs.

Arenas and rinks:

All programs in arenas will be cancelled, including recreational skates, hockey rentals, and any private rentals.

Victoria Park outdoor skating will be closed. Storybook Gardens skating trail will remain open, and registration is required in advance.

Aquatics:

All programs will be cancelled including recreational swims, aquafit classes, fit lanes, Learn to Swim and leadership courses. Swim passes will be placed on hold.

Child Care Fee Subsidy:

Citi Plaza will be closed to the public as of noon on December 24. Please contact Children Services by email at childcare@london.ca or by calling 519 661-4834.

Social Services:

In-person and drop-in services will not be provided at any location. People are encouraged to call 519-661-4520 (toll free at 1-833-932-2297) or email socialservices@london.ca.

Cheque pick up in December will be December 29 and 30 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Effective January, cheque pick up and encashment stamps will be available at Citi Plaza on the last two business days of the month, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and again between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., as well as every Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or on an emergency basis and by appointment only.

Wherever possible, clients are encouraged to email a copy of their documents or drop them off at one of the drop box locations.

Subsidized Transit Bus Passes:

Eligible individuals may purchase January bus passes at Citi Plaza on the last two business days of the month, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and again between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., as well as every Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Homeless Prevention:

Front counter service will not be available at Citi Plaza. Residents needing assistance can call 519-661-HOME (4663)

Fire Services:

All fire stations, including Memorial Headquarters (400 Horton Street) are closed to the public until further notice. For non emergencies, please call 519-661-5615.

Marriages:

Marriage licenses are available by appointment only. For additional information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 519-661-4530.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies:

Civil Marriage Ceremonies are not being offered at this time.

Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)

MFIPPA request are available by appointment only.

Council and Committee Meetings:

City Hall will be temporarily closed to the public for in-person attendance at Standing Committees and Council meetings. Live streaming of these meetings will continue to be available via the City of London’s website or YouTube.

Public Participation Meetings:

Residents wishing to speak at a Public Participation Meeting (PPM) will need to register in advance by calling 519-661-2489 ext. 7100 or by emailing PPMClerks@london.ca. Requests to speak must be received before 4:30 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Written submissions are also accepted by email, directed to the committee or Members of Council prior to the meeting.

Building, Development and Planning Services:

These services will be available by appointment by emailing Building@london.ca , Developmentservices@london.ca or Planning@london.ca

Parking Services:

The Parking office will be closed. Payments can be made online at www.london.ca. For parking inquiries including parking lot payments and screening requests, please email Parking@london.ca.

Business Licensing:

The office will be closed, however inquiries will be managed virtually and online by emailing Licensing@london.ca.

Animal Services: This will be available either virtually or by appointment adoptions. Stray animal drop off will be by appointment only, and only emergency field services will be available. For additional information, email info@accpets.ca.

General Services:

Before coming to City Hall for any Service, please first call or email the Service Area you wish to visit or call 519-661-2489 or email ASKCity@london.ca to make an appointment.

Additional information:

* The Enviro Depots and Household Special Waste drop off at the W12A landfill will continue to operate as per their normal schedules for this time of year.

* All outdoor park amenities and trails will remain open and available for recreational use. All public consultation and engagement will move to online, hardcopy/mailouts, or by phone during the shutdown.

* The Tourism Centre on Wellington Road will be closed.

* As per the Provincial regulation, Paralympic and Olympic athletes will be permitted to train at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Farquharson Arena.

Business Re-opening Services

* The Canadian Business Resiliency Network is offering a Business Reopening Toolkit. View printable templates and signage

* Deloitte is offering a COVID-19: Economic recovery dashboard monitors the health, social, financial and economic activity that will signal when a recovery is coming.

* FirstOnSite is offering COVID-19 Re-occupancy Services for Commercial Office Space.

* StevensE3 is offering a variety of social distancing solutions for businesses on their online store and are also happy to work with clients to develop custom solutions.

Government Resources

* Guidance for workplaces and businesses (Federal)

* Sector-specific guidance and posters: Find resources, best practices and other information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can also download posters about physical distancing best practices for your sector. There is also guidance for transit agencies and passengers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

* Rules for federally-regulated workplaces (Federal)

* The province continues to develop sector-specific safety guidance documents, with over 150 guides available.

New Funding Programs

The following are the latest funding and support program announcements at the local, provincial, and federal levels. You can find more funding programs in the Economic Relief section of this website.

Federal

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
A top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.
Government of Canada to Make EI Changes, and Introduce New Benefit Programs. Details Here.

Provincial

Ontario Small Business Support Grant helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.
Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is a no cost, immersive, highly practical online workshop that helps businesses identify areas for digital overhaul. Ontario businesses can apply to access $40,000 in training, mentorship, and support.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being offered by FedDev Ontario and provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of SMEs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In southern Ontario, $252.4 million is available as follows:

- $213 million for SMEs facing financial pressure; and

- $39.4 million to provide rural businesses with access to capital and business support, delivered by southern Ontario’s Community Futures

Development Corporations.

Local

London companies can receive support from Digital Main Street through their following programs:

- DMS Ontario Grants to help businesses with their digital transformation

- DMS Shop Here program to help small businesses and artists with selling online

- DMS Futureproof program to help businesses with identifying new markets and pivoting business models

Economic Relief

Federal

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global outbreak, outlined in their COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Details are below.

Which program is right for you?

· Navigate all of the Ontario and Federal Government's financial support for businesses in this overview

· Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support from the Government of Canada

· If your business is located in Ontario, use this self-assessment developed by rtraction and Benjamin Glauss to help determine which financial help measures apply to your business. Fill out the assessment here

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here.

Avoiding layoffs & rehiring employees

*EXTENDED* Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers 75% of an employee's wages for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May. Extended to June 2021.
Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy: A three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Work-Sharing Program: Up to 76 weeks of income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers
Have questions regarding EI Top-Up Benefits? Contact the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program at 1-800-561-7923 or email Sub-psc@servicecanada.gc.ca indicating the company name, business number (if applicable), and your question

Access to credit

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP): Includes a New Loan Guarantee for SMEs, where Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises, and a New Co-Lending Program for SMEs, where Business Development Canada (BDC) is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements
*EXPANDED* Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. LEDC, London Chamber of Commerce and SBC London have made a helpful resource with local financial institution contacts so you can easily apply via your bank. Additional $20,000 now available - All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.
Community Futures Network: $287 million to support rural businesses and communities by providing them with much-needed access to capital
Large employer emergency financing: Bridge financing for Canada's largest employers
$20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges
$675 million through Canada's Regional Development Agencies to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses
The Trade Commissioner Service has experts worldwide who can provide access to funding and help mitigating COVID-19 impacts for businesses in global markets.

Creating new jobs & opportunities for youth

Student Work Placement Program: $80 million to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students across Canada to obtain paid work experience related to their field of study
Mitacs & The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER): $40 million to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. BHER will create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements
Canada Summer Jobs Program: Increased wage subsidy, extending date of employment to February 28, 2021, and more

Deferred payments

Defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This applies to SME's and self-employed individuals
The Canada Revenue Agency will defer tax payments until August 31 to help businesses with cash flow.

Indigenous businesses

$306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses. Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.

Supporting financial stability

Immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans
Insured Mortgage Purchase Program: Government of Canada will purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
The Bank of Canada is lowering interest rates to 0.25%, intervening to support key financial markets and providing liquidity support for financial institutions
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets.

SUPPORT FOR SECTORS

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here

Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries

Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Quarantine Assistance Program: $50 million for farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers to put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad
Through Farm Credit Canada (FCC), farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and food processors can access $5 billion in lending and will receive extensions to previous loans. Contact FCC to see if you're eligible to access this program
Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Short term financing, added storage capacity for unsold products, support of new manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, and more to support Canada's fish and seafood processing industries

Cultural, heritage and sports

COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund: $500 million for cultural, heritage and sport organizations that will help address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I licence fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year

Air transportation

Waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government

Tourism

Deferring payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020 for tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas
For tourism operators and small businesses, regional development agencies (RDAs) could assist with access to federal funding and services.

Energy

Emissions Reduction Fund: $750 million to support workers and reduce emissions in Canada's oil and gas sector, with a focus on methane

Non-profit and charitable

Emergency Community Support Fund: $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

Overview of all economic relief for individuals and families can be found here

The one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits has been waived
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has allowed for ongoing Mortgage Payment Deferrals

Provincial

The Ontario Government has recently announced a number of updates to support employers and employees:

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program - Residential (CEAP)
Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers began accepting applications for CEAP on July 13, 2020.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – Small Business (CEAP-SB)
Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on August 31, 2020.
The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory provides businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario has created a financial relief package that allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020.
$1.5 million for a new Tourism Economic Development Recovery Fund
$83 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to provide grants to help eligible non-profit organizations
Increasing the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption for 2020 from $490,000 to $1 million. As an employer, this means relief of up to $9,945
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit: If you are building, renovating or acquiring commercial or industrial buildings in designated regions in Ontario, you could be eligible to save up to $50,000 this year. You can apply for this tax credit when you file your tax return. Learn more about the tax credit and if your project qualifies.

Local

The City of London is providing immediate economic relief through the following - stay informed here on their website:

All interest and penalties for unpaid Interim 2020 Property Tax Installments that come due on March 31, 2020 will be waived for a period of 60 days
All interest and penalties for unpaid water and wastewater billings will be waived for a minimum period of 60 days
All Community Improvement Plan (CIP) loan repayments will be deferred on an interest-free basis for a minimum period of 60 days
In addition, due dates for final final 2020 property tax installments have been deferred by 60 days as of April 21, 2020
Flexibility in loading, unloading, and delivery times

Additionally, the Mayor's Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force have developed a brief and easy to navigate summary of the Provincial and Federal resources available to London's businesses. You can read the list here.

Local Funding Programs

London-Middlesex Restaurant Support Fund. A collaboration of McCormick, Pillar Nonprofit Network, the Middlesex London Food Policy Council, rTraction, and the Western Fair District, the fund will make micro-grants of $1,000 to qualifying independent operators in London and Middlesex County to help with the costs of re-opening in the midst of the pandemic.

Local Business Supports

Business + Workforce Services

· Need to get your business online? The LEDC has developed a guide to many London businesses offering eCommerce, website development, and marketing services

· TechAlliance has launched a Rebuild Roster, a new tool to bolster Southwestern Ontario technology companies by placing tech talent in view of hiring managers

· SBC's COVID-19 Business Support Squad provides free consultations to answer questions and provide strategic guidance to your small business

· The Business Support Initiative provides businesses with actionable work to open doors to new revenue streams and new opportunities

· Info-Tech Research Group has developed a COVID-19 Resource center, with a complimentary CIO Strategy for COVID-19 and upcoming webinars

Promotional Offers + Opportunities

· AdHOME is offering free advertising and marketing counsel for businesses of any size

· Alarmtech Systems for Life is offering a free, live remote consultation to design a security system that can be installed at your home / business

· The London Free Press launches a free business directory - if your business is open during COVID, add it to their directory

· Minuteman Press is offering to print free COVID-19 awareness posters and free advertising on their Bounce Back London website

· OntarioSEO is offering Local Google My Business Support, by providing a Free Google My Business Audit

· RBC is offering financial and informational resources.

· Attache Group Inc. provides cyber security awareness training for end users

· FirstOnSite is offering Tips and Emergency Response for Hibernating Commercial Buildings

Staying Connected

· The Council of Canadian Innovators has launched a dedicated COVID-19 Tech Group on Slack for Canadian technology workers

· RH Accelerator has launched RHA Online - a free service for the founder community to support companies with responding to the COVID-19 crisis

Virtual Learning

· Check out KPMG's COVID-19 Podcast about the trends and challenges of business continuity

· The Achievement Centre is offering free access to online learning around sales and leadership

Working Remotely

· Consys Group Inc. has prepared a quick assessment tool to assist with determining how remote-work ready your business is

· Western IT Group is offering no-charge consultations to review your organizations business continuity planning (BCP)

· tbk is offering free work-from-home consulting to companies as they transition into a remote model. Email tbk at workfromhome@tbkCreative.com

· Techdoz has launched London Tech Tools to help businesses in the community settle into their new technology lifestyles

· ManagePoint is offering free IT consulting via email or teleconference

· Dagi is offering one-month free connection to work from home with free set-up

Support Local Businesses

Take a look at local businesses that have went digital. You can support these businesses via online orders, take-out, delivery, or purchasing gift cards to use at a later date:

· Support London Businesses, started by rTraction, allows you to explore a number of stores in London that you can continue supporting digitally

· Explore businesses that are currently operating & offering take-out, delivery, porch-drop, virtual tours, virtual experiences or online events on Tourism London's website and in Downtown London's list. You can also view a list and map of takeout options here.

· SlyFox Digital Marketing's list of sanity savers highlights local business pick up and delivery

· I Love Local is a new initiative to support brick and motar stores by purchasing digital vouchers

· GIFTforward is an initiative supported by Ivey Business School students to help local businesses by offering gift cards that customers can buy through their platform and use once these businesses are allowed to re-open

#ShopLdnOnt

Follow the local hashtag shopldnont to learn about local businesses, make some online purchases, and show your appreciation by liking/sharing/rating! Get in touch with Shop LdnOnt directly to have your business added: Instagram / Facebook

Always rate, like, share, and buy from local businesses online when possible!

Can Your Business Help?

Locally

Attention manufacturers! Please contact Jason Bates at jbates@emccanada.org if you can provide any of the following:

Clean rooms for the production of COVID-19 supplies
Additional warehouse space for pandemic supplies for Healthcare Material Management Services (HMMS)

Provincially

Please visit the Ontario Together website if you can offer emergency products and innovative solutions or volunteer to support our response to COVID-19
Several temporary rules and regulations have been put in place. Learn how to request a temporary rule or regulation change to help your business respond to COVID-19
Ontario Centres of Excellence has launched a COVID-19 Collaboration Platform for Ontario innovators to come together and respond to support this collective effort. If you have a solution or need collaborators to make your solution possible, visit the hub here.

Nationally

Calling all suppliers - help Canada combat COVID-19 by supplying N95 masks, gloves, gowns, IT support services, and more
The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is investing $50 million for companies that can help manufacture critical COVID-19 supplies
NRC is seeking a low-cost sensor system for COVID-19 patient monitoring, made in Canada filtration material for the manufacture of N95 respirators and surgical masks, and point of care / home diagnostic kit for COVID-19
Tender Opportunity Cloth Face Masks for RCMP – deadline May 28, 2020.

Health & Safety Resources

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has helped us gather a number of health and safety resources to support your business through COVID-19., around the following topics:

What steps you can take right now to keep your employees / workplace safe
What to do if an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19
What the 'new normal' of health and safety at a workplace may look like and how you can implement preventative measures upon returning to work

Section 1: COVID-19 Resource Information

WSPS’ main Covid-19 Portal: This link will direct you to WSPS’ main Covid-19 portal. Listed below are examples of specific resources:

Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
Take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Business Preparedness Pandemic Checklist. - Links to official sources (Public Health, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, etc.)
Link to a page of business resources (government, planning and sector-specific information)
Links to COVID-19 and infection control information – including some great awareness resources from the Government of Canada
Link to a new “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning
9 Suggestions To Help Avoid Work Refusals.
WSIB Covid-19 Injury Related Claims
Risk-informed decision-making guidelins for workplaces & businesses during COVID-19
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Track your COVID-19 Compliance in Real-Time
Post-Pandemic Business Playbook

Section 2: Mental Health in Times of COVID-19

Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic
Psychological Safety Blog
COVID-19: Psychological Health & Safety: Tips and insights to help manufacturers address mental health in the workplace throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
WSPS “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning.
Mental Health Poster
Government of Canada Wellness Together Canada portal
The Conference Board of Canada has a series of videos you can access for support
WSPS eLearning Sessions (free of charge)

Section 3: Information & 'How-To' Posters

About coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Infographic
Help reduce the spread of Covid 19
Physical Distancing – Actions for reducing the spread of Covid-19
Surgical Mask vs. N95 Respirator
How to Self-Isolate
How to Self-Monitor
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
Public Health Ontario’s How to Handwash Poster
Public Health Ontario Multilingual “How To” Posters
Mental Health Poster

Section 4: Occupational Specific Health & Safety Guidelines

Here you will find guidelines for a variety of industries and roles, including Agricultural, Truck Driving, Equipment Operators, Food Retail Sector, Office Sector, Restaurant Services, Grocery, Warehousing and more. Scroll to bottom of page – located under ‘downloads’

The Ontario Government also recently released health and safety guidelines for employers.

Section 5: Health & Safety Duty Consultant
Sources: WSPS, Federal & Provincial Government, National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS), Public Health Ontario

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has, and will continue to be, a leader in providing impactful hazard risk management solutions. We have extended our core business hours and have a Duty Consultant on call from 7am – 7pm to Monday to Friday. You can reach the Duty Consultant via email at dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or telephone 1-877-494-9777. There is no charge for this service.

Section 6: Free COVID-19 related eCourses

WSPS Covid-19 related eCourses (no charge):

Other Free WSPS eCourses indirectly related to Covid-19 (no charge):

Section 7: Emergency Specific Information

Emergency information related to Covid-19 providing information on:

Staying Protected
How to self-isolate
Safely providing care
Return from travel
Symptoms and treatment

Section 8: Local London Resources

·Take a look at several London businesses that are providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting services to keep employees and workplaces safe in LEDC's list.

· Driven to understand what these impacts may be and how the government can support those in need, Pulse InfoFrame in London is running an online study – called the healthie™ Global Pandemic Mental Health Assessment - to learn how COVID-19 is affecting communities mentally and emotionally

· Have non-emergency concerns about safety during COVID-19? Call London Police Services at 519-661-5670 - officers are available on this number 24/7

About Us

About LEDC

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is the lead economic development agency for London, Canada. LEDC works with business, government and community partners to attract business investment, develop a connected and supportive business climate and grow London's talented workforce.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

About London Chamber of Commerce

The London Chamber of Commerce is a politically independent, membership based, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to lead and serve the London business community. We work hard on behalf of members, offering insightful and meaningful policy contributions, leading initiatives that positively influence London's social and economic landscape.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

About London Small Business Centre

The London Small Business Centre is a not-for-profit organization that provides training and support to starting and growing businesses. From concept, through start-up and early growth stages, the Centre is a one-stop source for information, guidance and professional advice on starting and running a successful business.

Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19.

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