This Friday and Saturday, the local health unit will be teaming up with other enforcement bodies, for an inspection blitz of supermarkets, pharmacies, liquor stores, garden centres and small businesses.
The initiative is being led by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and will reach Simcoe-Muskoka region on April 30 and May 1. The provincial officers will be joined by health unit inspectors, local police officers, and municipal bylaw enforcement staff.
The medical officer of health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Dr. Charles Gardner, said the enforcement officers will be looking for compliance with the reopening Ontario act, and systems in place that will keep workers safe.
Inspectors will be looking for safety plans written and posted in visible locations, regular screening of staff and customers for symptoms of COVID-19, proper use of face masks and coverings, and control measures to limit capacity.
The health unit announced today the focus of the enforcement blitz will be the following:
- Supermarkets
- Big box stores
- Drug stores
- Beer/liquor stores
- Dollar stores
- Pet food stores (to verify they are closed for retail)
- Businesses with fewer than 25 employees
- Supplement stores
- Garden centres
- Gas stations/ mechanics
For information on the current requirements under the Reopening Ontario Act and resources for businesses provided by the health unit, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website here.
