New COVID-19 rules take effect

Here’s what the new restrictions mean for local small businesses

New restrictions are being placed on Hamilton businesses to curb the spread of COVID-19.

In Hamilton, there have been 1,663 new cases of the coronavirus since New Year’s Day, while last weekend alone there were seven new outbreaks across the city. Now, along with a stay-athome order and other restrictions on individuals, the province has also imposed new limits on business operations deemed essential and non-essential.

For two of Hamilton’s largest sectors — manufacturers and the restaurant industry — the measures will have nearly opposite effects.

Most manufacturers and factories will be entitled to remain open and operate at a nearlyfull capacity on the grounds that many of them are suppliers for essential businesses and services in the province. For companies like Stelco and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, that includes most elements of their operations — processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery and maintenance.

Restaurants and smaller retailers, meanwhile, will face more restrictive measures that could limit day-to-day operations.

For one, all non-essential retail stores including hardware stores, alcohol retailers and those offering curbside pickup or delivery will have to close by 8 p.m. each night and open no earlier than 7 a.m. Some exceptions apply to stores that primarily sell food, gas stations, pharmacies, convenience stores or restaurants providing takeout or delivery, the government has said.

The new restrictions, however, also advise that all businesses regardless of whether they’re deemed essential must ensure that any employee who can work from home does so. While this rule won’t impact the onthe-ground operations of Hamilton’s manufacturers, it will send home any office employees who aren’t already working from home.

Just like the previous restrictions, restaurants and fast-food chains will remain closed for dine-in eating but can be entered to get takeout. And the exemptions mean that restaurants and diners can remain open past 8 p.m. as well.

Keanin Loomis, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, said he understands the province’s justification for new measures but has heard from local businesses who say they shouldn’t be penalized for outbreaks that appear to be arising from social gatherings and travel.

“All along we’ve said that strong public health is necessary for a functioning economy. And the data the province revealed is concerning, particularly when it comes to hospital capacity,” said Loomis.

“But one issue we’re wondering about is, what data are these new measures being based on? It doesn’t seem like it’s in response to there being transmissions in stores among customers, so it’s unfortunate that local businesses are being hampered when we’re seeing mobility data showing that far too many people are gathering socially.”

The closure of many Hamilton businesses, even prior to the announcement of new restrictions on Tuesday, has sparked concern among city councillors who say many small businesses are not wellequipped to survive lengthy restrictive measures.

The city announced several measures to provide aid to local businesses in December, including a freeze on all general business licence fees, trade licence fees and taxi and personal transportation provider fees.

Hamilton’s 13 business improvement areas are also to receive a one-time grant of $10,000 each on top of regular annual funding of $89,100, subject to budget approval.