COVID-19 Coronavirus Business Digest for Cornwall

In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, a number of initiatives have taken place that directly affect businesses and employers in Cornwall. We will update this page on a regular basis with information as it becomes available. Please note that a group of links to other online info sources is at the bottom of the page. For general info on local community efforts, please visit the City website.

February 2022 News Update

Applications open for New Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Link to more.

January 2022 News Update

Ontario Outlines Steps to Ease Public Health Measures. Link to more.
Applications Open for Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program. Link to more.
Guide to Available Funding and Business Support Programs. Link to more.
Government of Canada Extends CEBA Repayment Deadline. Link to more.
Ontario announces $10,000 relief grant and other supports. Link to more.
Recent Provincial restrictions will not affect College campus. Link to more.
Ontario introduces new restrictions to deal with Omicron. Link to more.

December 2021 News Update

Ontario announces new supports for businesses. Link to more.
Ontario introduces new public health and safety measures. Link to more.

November and October News Update

Ontario announces new supports for workers. Link to more.
Chamber to distribute rapid antigen tests. Link to more.
Ontario releases plan to safely reopen. Link to more.
Intake for My Main Street now open. Link to more.

September and August News Update

Ontario Increasing Investment in Skills Development Fund. Link to more.
Ontario investing $100 million in Tourism Sector. Link to more.
Ontario releases proof of Vaccination requirements. Link to more.
Ontario to require proof of Vaccination in select settings. Link to more.
Ontario makes COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Mandatory for High-Risk settings. Link to more.
COVID-19 Vaccination required at St. Lawrence College. Link to more.

July and June News Update

Ontario helping Small Businesses to Establish On-line presence. Link to more.
Jobs and Growth fund to Help Build Economic Activity. Link to more.
Tourism Relief Fund to Help Businesses and Organizations Recover and Grow. Link to more.
Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
Ontario to move to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
New $500 million fund to revitalize shared public spaces. Link to more.
Cornwall receives Resiliency Infrastructure funding. Link to more.
Calculating store capacity under the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
Ontario to move into Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. Link to more.
City now accepting applications for patio extensions. Link to more.
Ontario maintains COVID restrictions. Link to more.

May News Update

Booking for pop-up shops begins. Link to more.
FedDev Ontario supports tourism sector. Link to more.
Ontario launches 3-phase reopening plan. Link to more.
Ontario invests in manufacturing sector. Link to more.
Ontario extends stay at home order. Link to more.
Ontario launches new tourism and travel grant. Link to more.
Ontario expands rapid testing for workplaces. Link to more.

April News Update

The regional investment opportunities grant doubles. Link to more.
Ontario strengthens enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order. Link to more.
New schedule of workplace inspections. Link to more.
Schools to move into remote learning. Link to more.
City facilities close to the public. Link to more.
Ontario issues stay at home order. Link to more.
Ontario implements province-wide emergency brake. Link to more.

March News Update

Help for residents to get to vaccine appointments. Link to more.
Cornwall moves into Red-Control Level. Link to more.
Ontario doubles Small Business Support Grant. Link to more.
New support for Tourism sector. Link to more.
Ontario budget provides support for family, business and community. Link to more.
Ontario modifies rules for restaurant dining. Link to more.
Ontario increases support to Colleges. Link to more.
Ontario extends workplace inspections. Link to more.
Additional support for municipalities. Link to more.
Applications still open for Ontario Small Business Support Grant. Link to more.

February News Update

College semester continues with alternative delivery. Link to more.
New education campaign for workplace safety. Link to more.
Digital Main Street grant extended. Link to more.
Municipal facilities reopen. Link to more.
Orange Level restrictions start on February 16. Link to more.
Cornwall to move to Orange Level. Link to more.
CREATE launches COVID advisory services. Link to more.
Stay at Home order extended until February 16. Link to more.

January News Update

Ontario takes action to stop the spread of COVID variants. Link to more.
Local students return to class. Link to more.
Ontario supporting Francophone businesses. Link to more.
HASCAP program launched to support business. Link to more.
Ontario expands workplace inspection effort. Link to more.
Applications now open to Ontario small business grant program. Link to more.
Ontario to increase workplace inspections. Link to more.
City facilities close to public for shutdown. Link to more.
New COVID-19 funding for tourism businesses. Link to more.
Further restrictions on business in Ontario. Link to more.
Ontario declares Emergency. Link to more.
Local delivery options for residents. Link to more.
New Guide for Home based food businesses. Link to more.
Local restaurants rise to the lockdown challenge. Link to more.
15 local businesses join Digital Main Street. Link to more.

December 2020 News Update

City relaunches curbside parking measures. Link to more.
New Ontario Business Support Grant announced. Link to more.
Ontario announces province-wide shutdown. Link to more.
Ontario supports employees and employers. Link to more.
Ontario supporting workers impacted by COVID-19. Link to more.
Ontario provides more financial relief for municipalities. Link to more.
Ontario launches new Support Local campaign. Link to more.
Cornwall moves to Orange-Restrict level. Link to more.

November 2020 News Update

Education and Enforcement campaign comes to Cornwall. Link to more.
Additional funding for CFDC. Link to more.
New Canada Rent Subsidy Program now open to applications. Link to more.
Cornwall to move back to Yellow- Protect. Link to more.
Ontario increasing funding to colleges. Link to more.
Ontario adding 3000 long term spaces. Link to more.
Cornwall joins COVID-19 Relief Network. Link to more.
CFDC adds COVID-19 Business Relief Advisor. Link to more.
SLC COVID-19 Plan receives government approval. Link to more.
Ontario opens intake for PPE Grant Program. Link to more.
Ontario Opens COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream for Municipalities. Link to more.
Ontario lowers thresholds for Covid-19 Framework. Link to more.
CBEC launches Winter Webinar Series. Link to more.
Ontario invests in broadband. Link to more.
New Covid Response Framework released by Province. Link to more.
Francophone community grant program receive funding. Link to more.

October News Update

Ontario Launching COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Link to more.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund receives more money. Link to more.
Webinar to explore Technology Innovation Program. Link to more.
Ontario urges people to support local restaurants. Link to more.
Ontario is investing $9 million through the new Reconnect Festival and Event Program. Link to more.
New grant for help pay for PPW for small businesses. Link to more.

September News Update

Recap of Ontario COVID-19 News – September 9. Link to more.
SigmaPoint joins effort to make ventilators. Link to more.
Recap of Ontario COVID-19 – September 2. Link to more.

August News Update

Chamber launches Canada United. Link to more.
Hours extended at Complex and City Hall. Link to more.
Staycation Gude promotes local travel. Link to more.

July News Update

Ontario implementing additional measures at bars and restaurants. Link to more.
Ontario releases plans for safe reopening of schools. Link to more.
Ontario gradually reopens childcare. Link to more.
Ontario building and expanding schools. Link to more.
Consumers urged to buy local. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders. Link to more.
Support announced through Safe Restart program. Link to more.
Spaces and businesses reopen as Phase 3 begins. Link to more.
Made in Ontario program launched. Link to more.
Regional Relief and Recovery Funding still available. Link to more.
Ontario expanding access to digital economy. Link to more.
Cornwall launches new Pop-Up Shops. Link to more.
Ontario introduces Economic Recovery Act. Link to more.
Masks are now required in indoor public spaces. Link to more.
Ontario proposes Made in Ontario plan. Link to more.
Ontario launches free online training Link to more.
Ontario supporting restaurants. Link to more.
Ontario supports municipalities and indigenous communities. Link to more.

June 11-30 News Update

Cornwall pools open to the public. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders. Link to more.
Local tourism organizations receive funding. Link to more.
Ontario investing in Franco-Ontarian communities. Link to more.
Canada and Ontario invest in Cornwall Transit. Link to more.
Ontario extends Declaration of Emergency. Link to more.
Cornwall Civic Complex opens with limited access. Link to more.
Cornwall City Hall reopens to the public. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders until June 30. Link to more.
Ontario releases guide on how to develop a Workplace Safety Plan. Link to more.
Ontario expanding data collection. Link to more.
Ontarians encouraged to establish social circles. Link to more.
Free 2-Hour parking in Cornwall. Link to more.
Patio season returns to Cornwall. Link to more.
Cornwall Square reopens to the public. Link to more.
City accepting applications for patio extensions. Link to more.
$57 million investment in programs to help local small businesses. Link to more.

June 1-10 News Update

St. Lawrence College supports Ontario plan. Link to more.
Province unveils plan for post-secondary education. Link to more.
Federal government launches supply hub for PPE. Link to more.
Province reopening child care with strict protocols. Link to more.
More businesses allowed to reopen in Ontario. Link to more.
Ontario extends outdoor patio licensing. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders. Link to more.
St. Lawrence planning Fall semester. Link to more.
Ontario improving broadband and cell phone service. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Order to June 30. Link to more.
Cornwall joins Digital Main Street ShopHERE program. Link to more.
Canada fast tracks support to municipalities. Link to more.
Additional support of indigenous communities. Link to more.

May 19-29 News Update

Cornwall hotels adopting new safety measures. Link to more.
Ontario opens up COVID-19 testing. Link to more.
Cornwall offers online Business Reopening Toolkit. Link to more.
St. Lawrence College offers free online workshops in June. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders to June 9. Link to more.
Cornwall extends deadline for Small Business Emergency Support Loan program to May 29. Link to more.
Cornwall supports local business with free parking. Link to more.
Incredible Edibles offering free plants this weekend. Link to more.
Ontario helps people get back to work. Link to more.
Legislative changes allow corporations to operate virtually. Link to more.
Local businesses stepping up to provide safety supplies Link to more.
People advised to wear masks in public. Link to more.
Ontario reducing financial barriers for post-secondary students. Link to more.
United Way Accepting Applications to Emergency Community Support Fund. Link to more.
Criteria expanded for Canada Emergency Business Account. Link to more.
Schools to remain closed for school year. Link to more.
Ontario extends Emergency Orders. Link to more.

May 1-15 News Update

Summerheights Golf Links set to open. Link to more.
CFDC Launches new Technology Innovation Program. Link to more.
Business Enterprise Centre launches new website. Link to more.
Chamber to host Zoom meeting. Link to more.
City opens Marina 200 and boat launches. Link to more.
Ontario announces additional business openings. Link to more.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund accepting applications. Link to more.
New parking initiative to help Cornwall curbside pickup. Link to more.
Cornwall businesses open for curbside pickup. Link to more.
Ontario assisting meat processors. Link to more.
Declaration of emergency extended to June 3. Link to more.
Retail stores open for curbside pickup in Ontario. Link to more.
Shorty Jenkins Classic postponed to 2021. Link to more.
New supports for Canadian businesses. Link to more
Ontario supports job creators. Link to more.
Canada to help boost essential worker wages. Link to more.
Ontario further relaxes restrictions on retail stores. Link to more.
Ontario extends emergency orders. Link to more.
Spring webinar series announced – free and open to all. Link to more.
Canada supporting farmers and food processors. Link to more.
Ontario significantly increases daily lab testing. Link to more.
Ontario to allow certain businesses to reopen May 4. Link to more.
Ontario provides support for industrial and commercial electricity users. Link to more.
Ontario launches new tool for truckers. Link to more.

April 16-30 News Update

Ontario providing employers with workplace safety guidelines. Link to more.
Cornwall launches Emergency Support Loan program for small business. Link to more.
EOHU issues three orders for essential businesses. Link to more.
More frontline workers eligible for emergency day care. Link to more.
Ontario launches new website to listen to local businesses. Link to more.
City encourages back yard gardens. Link to more.
Ontario schools to remain closed until May 31. Link to more.
Ontario provides pandemic pay for frontline workers. Link to more.
Ontario provides urgent relief for small businesses and landlords. Link to more.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance announced. Link to more.
St. Lawrence College holding virtual program showcase. Link to more.
Ontario extends emergency order to May 6. Link to more.
Action plan to protect vulnerable people. Link to more.
New support for medical research. Link to more.
Survey launched to poll local businesses. Link to more.
Increased testing for long term care residents. Link to more.
New support for students. Link to more.
Additional relief for Ontario’s most vulnerable. Link to more.
New funding to support innovation. Link to more.
Virtual Town Hall to be repeated. Link to more.
Support for indigenous businesses. Link to more.
Ontario investing $20 Million to advance medical research. Link to more.
Canada and Ontario supporting Agri-food sector. Link to more.
Municipal facility closures extended to May 12. Link to more.
City asks for donations of PPE. Link to more.
Canada provides additional supports for small businesses. Link to more.
Ontario allows for auto insurance rebates. Link to more.
Ontario expand hospital capacity. Link to more.
Job Zone d’emploi connecting job seekers to employers Link to more.
Expanded access to Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Link to more.

April 1-15 News Update

Ontario increases protection for long-term care residents. Link to more.
Virtual town hall to be held Thursday night for local business community. Link to more.
Canada has granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers. Link to more.
Seaway Express rolls out a message of hope. Link to more.
Webinar to be held on Business Credit Availability Program. Link to more.
Ontario extends declaration of emergency. Link to more.
Province developing new health data platform. Link to more.
Ontario businesses step up to help the fight. Link to more.
Chamber launches Shop Local website. Link to more.
Ontario starts planning for economic recovery. Link to more.
Support for artists during this crisis. Link to more.
Support local movement gains momentum. Link to more.
Ontario extends construction hours for essential projects. Link to more.
Changes have been made to the Canada Summer Jobs Program. Link to more.
Canadian Business Resilience Network launched to help businesses. Link to more.
National Research Council launches challenge to manufacturers. Link to more.
Online platform to help companies collaborate to meet product gaps. Link to more.
Tourism Development Fund moves forward in uncertain times. Link to more.
Ontario helping Indigenous communities. Link to more.
Ontario launches new Health Workforce Matching Portal. Link to more.
Relief funding for Social Services. Link to more.
Chamber invites businesses to new digital hub. Link to more.
New rules for grocery shopping. Link to more.
Ontario refines list of essential businesses. Link to more.
Ontario releases COVID-19 modelling. Link to more.
City by-law to aid police in COVID-19 education efforts. Link to more.
Ontario adding capacity to Health Units. Link to more.
Mayor Clement urges residents to stay home. Link to more info.
SLC offering courses via virtual delivery. Link to more info.
Ontario increasing mental health support. Link to more info.
Seaway opens for 2020 navigation. Link to more info.
Ontario reiterates its support for the transportation sector. Link to more info.
Campaign to save main street. Link to more info.
COVID-19 Testing Centre to open in Cornwall. Link to more info.
Cornwall Community Hospital calls for help. Link to more info.
Ontario launches $50 million Ontario Together fund. Link to more info.
City launches public awareness campaign. Link to more info.
Municipal office and facility closures extended. Link to more info.
Community Addiction and Mental Health Services supporting clients. Link to more info.

March 24-31 News Update

Canada announces new partnerships with industry. Link to more info.
College students able to complete semester. Link to more info.
Ontario support post-secondary students. Link to more info.
Ontario extends emergency declaration. Link to more info.
Ontario launches dedicated COVID-19 website. Link to more info.
Ground Soap helping people stay healthy. Link to more info.
Ontario Working to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 on Construction Sites. Link to more info.
Restaurants offering take-out and delivery during crisis. Link to more info.
Ontario looks to secure supply chains. Link to more info.
Ontario to limit pubic gatherings of 5 people or more. Link to more info.
New Federal support for small business. Link to more info.
Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre offering 3 webinars. Link to more info.
Restaurants can now offer liquor with takeout/delivery. Link to more info.
Cornwall and neighbours declare a State of Emergency. Link to more info.
WSIB premium payments deferred for six months. Link to more info.
St. Lawrence College donates equipment and supplies to hospital. Link to more info.
Chamber Raises Concerns Over Businesses Ability to Survive. Link to more info.
Ontario Announces Regional Opportunities Investment Credit. Link to more info.
Ontario Releases COVID-19 Action Plan. Link to more info.
Canadian Manufacturers Needed to Help Combat COVID-19: Link to more info.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses. Link to more info.
Ontario has launched a Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659: Link to more info.
Walmart is taking steps to thank its retail and supply chain associates. Link to more info.
Olymel is enacting measures to support the efforts of its employees and continue to supply food to Canadians. Link to more info.
Ontario is providing electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms. Link to more info.
Ontario is taking further steps to ensure that health sector workers, including those that work in the long-term care sector, are available, where and when they are needed. Link to more info.

March 23 Update

The Community Futures Development Corporation is launching an Emergency Loan Program to assist local businesses dealing with impacts from efforts to fight COVID-19. Link to more info.
Premier Doug Ford has announced that all non-essential businesses must close on Tuesday March 24 by 11:59pm. Link to more info.
More support has been announced for farmers and agri-food businesses. Link to more info.
The Province has launched a new website that will help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. Link to more info.

March 22 Update

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has ordered a number of local businesses to close, most notably daycare and childcare facilities, gyms and sport facilities, places of worship and personal services companies.

March 20 Update

City of Cornwall property tax payments that would be otherwise due on March 31, 2020 and April 30, 2020 have been deferred to May 15, 2020 and June 15, 2020, respectively… Link to more info.
Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19. Link to more info.
NRC COVID-19 Challenge. Link to more info.
Walmart is ramping up efforts to meet the needs of Canadians….Link to more info.

March 19 Update

The land border between Canada and the U.S. will to all non-essential travel at midnight Friday in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. Commercial trade and supply chain activities will not be affected.
COVID-19 Preparations Continue at Cornwall Community Hospital. Link to more info.

March 18 Update

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $82 billion in economic measures to help help Canadians affected by the impacts of this challenging period. Link to more info.
BDC announces additional measures to provide relief to business owners, Link to more info.

March 17 Update

Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency for the Province of Ontario. This announcement included a list of certain establishments that must close immediately (including all bars and restaurants with the exception of those that provide takeout or delivery). Link to more info.
Municipal offices and recreation facilities are closed to the public, including those of Cornwall Economic Development, Cornwall Tourism and the Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre. While our office will be closed to the public, staff continue to work and are accessible via phone and email. Essential municipal services will continue to be delivered, including water purification, wastewater treatment, emergency services, and Cornwall Transit. Waste collection will continue. More information is available from the City website at: https://www.cornwall.ca/en/city-hall/covid-19-response.aspx
Intake for the Rural Innovation Initiative has been extended until April 17.
Facebook has announced a future grant program to assist companies affected by COVID-19.
Canada’s six largest banks have announced plans to provide support to personal and small business banking customers. Assistance could include up to a six month deferral on mortgage payments.
The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has launched a new survey seeking feedback from tourism businesses on the economic impact of Covid-19. The feedback will be used in discussions with Ontario Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod to help shape an economic recovery package. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXXC9Y6
The City of Cornwall has opened a helpline for residents with concerns and requests for support. The phone number is 613-933-6282 ext. 3129, and will be manned Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by bilingual staff. If the line is busy, residents may leave a voicemail, which will be returned. For health concerns, residents should continue to call the Eastern Ontario Health Unit: 1-800-267-7120.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES (AND NEIGHBOURS)

Many local small businesses have been forced to close temporarily to assist public safety efforts. Some residents may not be able to move freely due to self-isolation or other reasons. Now is an excellent time to consider how you might be able to support local businesses and residents. Options include purchasing goods and services online, and/or gift certificates.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF (AND OTHERS)

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. There are actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Practice social distancing: stay at least two (2) meters from other people
Avoid gathering with friends and even family
Stay home as much as possible

Please note that the above information has been taken from a variety of sources and is subject to change without notice.

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