COVID-19 Government and International Response: June 30, 2020

WHAT TO KNOW

Global COVID-19 cases have reached 10,273,001, up from 9,581,803 at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Canada now reports 103,918 cases, up from 102,622 cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Ontario reports 34,911 cases, up from 34,316 cases on Friday.

The growth rate of new cases in the province is still under 1%, with 157 (0.4%) new cases reported since yesterday. Of the province’s total cases, 30,344 have been resolved (86.5%) and there have been 2,672 deaths (7.6%). The province has now completed 1,407,325 tests and reports 19,318 tests are currently under investigation. More information here.

A province-by-province breakdown of Canada’s COVID-19 case count can be found here.

FEDERAL

Today, the GST/HST and customs duty payment deferral program has officially ended. The program was announced in March by the government of Canada to defer all Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) payments, as well as customs duty payments owed for imports to support Canadians and businesses facing challenges as a result of the COVID-19. More information here.

PROVINCIAL

The Ontario government is launching a new campaign, “Shop Local! Shop Safe! Shop with Confidence!”, in celebration of Small Business Week. The campaign was created in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to stimulate local economies and encourage Ontarians to support their local small businesses and to shop safely while doing so. More information here.

Ontario is also providing support to small businesses, including an investment of $150 million in rural broadband which will help businesses access a greater pool of customers as well as significantly expanding the Digital Main Street platform to help small businesses create and enhance their online presence. The province has also implemented a ban on commercial evictions to help small businesses that have been significantly impacted by restrictions due to COVID-19.

TORONTO

On June 29, the City of Toronto announced that the CaféTO report was unanimously approved by Toronto City Council. CaféTO will ensure that accessibility and safety are not compromised and will make it easier for restaurant and bar owners to open patios, expand them and access additional space for physical distancing. It’s expected the first CaféTO locations will be in place on July 1. More information here.

Today, it was announced that Toronto City Council is considering reports by the Medical Officer of Health and the City Solicitor on requiring masks or face coverings in enclosed public places in Toronto. The Medical Officer of Health has recommended City Council enact a temporary bylaw effective July 7, requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings in enclosed public settings to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. The new bylaw would expire at 12:01 a.m. on the first day after the completion of the first Council meeting following summer recess (currently scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2020), unless extended by Council. More information here.

INTERNATIONAL