The Windsor Essex COVID-19 Economic Task Force's report for the hospitality and tourism sector showed some depressing, but not altogether surprising results.
A survey conducted between April 1 and April 8 by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario shows two-thirds of businesses have shut down in Southern Ontario, 28 per cent have reduced services, and almost half have laid off staff.
The report said, "though active, the hospitality and tourism sector has been all but decimated."
Occupancy at some hotels is in the single digits, while others have closed. Some hotels, like the Best Western Plus in downtown Windsor, are providing accommodations for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the pandemic.
Restaurants, breweries, and wineries have had to pivot from providing in-house service to curbside pick-up and delivery.
A report earlier this month from Restaurants Canada, which represents restaurants across the country, said there had been 300,000 layoffs in the food service in Ontario, and 800,000 across Canada. It said one in 10 restaurants had closed permanently, while another 18 per cent may close within a month.
Emergency orders issued by the province have closed tour operators and attractions.
As for the short and longer-term outlook, 35 per cent of businesses fear they will not be able to pay their staff, and 22 per cent may have to close permanently.
More than half are considering further layoffs or may apply for federal or provincial emergency funding.
Sales throughout the second quarter of 2020 are expected to be very localized. The number of local visits could be larger than usual.
The current lull is expected to continue into the third quarter and not stabilize until 2021.
