The majority of the Windsor-Essex region is moving to Stage Two reopening after all.
Premier Doug Ford announced Wednesday afternoon that, with the exception of Leamington and Kingsville, Windsor-Essex is moving to Stage Two, effective Thursday morning. As of 12:01 a.m., Windsor, Tecumseh, LaSalle, Amherstburg, Lakeshore and Essex may allow additional businesses to reopen.
Stage 2 allows for bars and restaurants to open for dining in outdoor areas only, such as patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent premises., and for services like barber and beauty shops to reopen.
The announcement came as the province announced a three-part plan to combat COVID-19 among the migrant worker population in Windsor-Essex.
"Clearly, our agricultural sector in this part of the province is being hit particularly hard," said Ford. "Our three-point plan will give farmers the support they need to protect essential workers and ensure they can keep putting food safely on our tables."
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman reiterated that the health of agricultural workers is still the government's top priority.
"They work incredibly hard to support our farmers as they plant, harvest and process the good things that grow here in Ontario," said Hardeman. "It is critical that we step up our efforts at this challenging time to protect these essential workers and ensure our local produce gets to market."
The plan consists of ongoing and expanded on-site testing at affected farms, access to employment benefits and supports, and additional public health guidance, during which asymptomatic workers may continue to work as long as precautions and physical distancing are taking place.
"No one will lose their job if you have COVID-19, no one will be sent home if you have COVID-19, and if you test positive for COVID-19 and you need to self isolate for 14 days you will be eligible for WSIB benefits and in some cases if you worked here last year and you have a social insurance number workers may be eligible to the federal CERB benefits," said Ford.
During his remarks at Queens Park, Ford praised Windsor-Essex Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens for their efforts in containing the virus in the city itself.
In a statement, Essex County Warden Gary McNamara called the move "welcome and disappointing".
"I share in the distress and frustration felt by the residents and struggling business owners in Kingsville and Leamington, but I also know this news is being welcomed in municipalities from Amherstburg to Lakeshore," said McNamara. "There have already been layoffs and closures in Essex County and more were sure to follow if the premier had not made the decision to at least open up part of our local economy."
As more businesses open up, the province is reminding employers and employees to follow all public health recommendations to ensure the safety of everyone in the community.
"If you are an employer that is not taking this situation seriously there will be consequences. To successfully reopen Ontario we need everyone to do their part to protect the health and safety of workers. The connection between workplace safety and our economic success as a province is crystal clear," said Labour Minister Monte McNaughton.
