Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On this page you will find: 

• NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols
• NOTO's Recommendations to Government
• Provincial and Federal Government News Updates
• Government Supports Announced To Date
• Services Restriction Updates
• Border Closures and Travel Restriction Updates
• Aviation Updates from Transport Canada
• Information on Conducting Maintenance
• Housing Essential Workers
• Cleaning
• Resources to Help Business Affected by COVID-19
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• NOTO's COVID-19 Infographs
• NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletter Links
• Monitoring the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Resource-Based Tourism Industry in Ontario

NOTO would like to hear from industry about any cancellations, concerns you or your clients may have surrounding COVID-19, or any other impacts you may be noticing. We would like to stay up-to-date on all developments to keep members and Government informed.

This page will be updated regularly as the situation unfolds. *Last updated July 26, 2021

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What's New on This Page

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NOTO's Recommendations to Government

NOTO is continuing to take your messages forward to Government to seek financial support. We know the need for meaningful financial support remains dire. The industry has been hit with a shortened 2020 season, several shutdowns, and are currently facing yet another financially strained season in 2021, with increased operating costs due to COVID-19 protocols and no US guests. These messages continue to be relayed to Government repeatedly. We will continue to provide updates on our lobbying activities through our COVID-19 newsletters.  As an example of some of the messaging we are taking to Government, NOTO presented to the Provincial Standing Finance Committee as part of their hearings on impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism sector. You can view the written presentation here.Through consultations with all of you, as well as other Provincial and National tourism organizations, NOTO prepared and sent a request for support for the resource-based tourism industry. To view the supports we have asked for to date, please click here.  As you will note, some of these items have already been addressed as small businesses call for action. Our Governments continue to update existing supports and develop new ones on a weekly basis. We will strive to get the ear of Government to have the recommendations we have made come to fruition. NOTO will continue to take these items forward one our own as well as through our tourism partners like Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations (CFOA). To read NOTO's joint press release with TIAO and Indigenous Tourism Ontario,and to view our official requests to Government to support the resource-based tourism industry, please click here.

 

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Provincial & Federal Government News Updates

Older announcements: 

• Ontario waives certain crown resource fees
• Ontario Passes Paid Sick Leave
• Canada Recovery Benefit & changes to EI
• Ontario Budget Highlights
• Tourism Economic Recovery Ministerial Task Force
• CEWS Extension & Changes
• Minister Joly's mandate letter
• Minister MacLeod's White Paper
• Ontario Parks Launches Commercial Parks Pass for Tourism Operators

NOTE: The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the links below.

                                      Federal Government            Ontario Government

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Government Support

Provincial: 

Property Tax and Energy Rebate Program: Businesses that have been required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to public health measures can apply for rebates to help with fixed costs such as property tax and energy bills. Operators must submit the first electricity and property tax bill they receive after the public health measures come into effect.

COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Businesses: This program provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible small business and registered charity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments. This means up to $850 in support towards their electricity bill and up to $425 in support towards their natural gas bill. Operators must contact their electricity and/or natural gas provider to apply.

Employer Health Tax Relief: The Ontario Government has permanently increased the Employer Health Tax exemption from $490,000 to $1 million. This means qualifying employers would see a relief of up to $9,945 per year. If your business no longer needs to make instalment payments or file and EHT return as a result of this exemption, you do not need to notify the Ministry of Finance.

Property Tax Relief: As part of Ontario's budget, the Government proposed to give municipalities the flexibility to target property tax relief to small businesses and will consider matching these reductions, which would provide small businesses with municipal and provincial property tax relief. Please contact your local tax department within your city or municipal office to see if they’ve initiated their own property tax relief program.

 

Federal: 

 

1. Receive up to $100,000 in non-repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs OR

2. Receive up to $500,000 in repayable contributions for up to 75% of eligible costs

The loans are interest free and can have up to 10 year payback terms depending on the loan amount. Eligible applicants include tourism entities that cater mainly to visitors, such as

• businesses;
• not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations; and
• band councils or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives.

To be considered eligible for this fund, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be a key supplier or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or a tourism dependent community, including supporting downtown cores; or
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Eligible Tourism Relief Fund projects must focus on one of the following:

1) Product development: For example, projects that enhance tourism experiences; help tourism businesses adapt to the “new normal,” to modernize their offerings; and, encourage the adoption of more environmentally sustainable and inclusive practices. Examples of this include but are not limited to:

• Upgrading facilities to permit for additional social distancing or meet other COVID regulations

• Make modifications to help extend seasons
• Enhancing air circulation
• Become more eco-friendly through the installation of green technologies.

2) Destination development: For example, projects that position communities to take advantage of post-pandemic opportunities through strategic planning for medium- to long-term investments, as well as supporting destination development prospects in line with objectives set out in the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy.

To see more details on eligibility and information on how to apply, applicants are encouraged to review the Application Guide and to contact aFedNor Officer prior to submitting an application. For operators located in Northern Ontario, please apply through FedNor by clicking here. For operators located from Muskoka-south, please apply through FedDev by clicking here.

• Support the development and adoption of clean technology.
• Help communities and businesses plan and drive clean, sustainable economic growth.
• Partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters.
• Work with organizations supporting businesses to transition to a green economy.

• Support businesses owned or majority-led by underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous peoples, members of racialized communities, women, youth, LGBTQ2, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and members of official language minority communities.
• Increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the economy by supporting not-for-profit organizations that provide funding, business services, training and access to resources to build a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

• Support the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions (i.e., Industry 4.0 solutions) to increase and promote business productivity.
• Invest in technologies that help scale businesses, enhance their capabilities and increase resilience.

• Support scale-up and market expansion activities that bolster traditional areas of strength.
• Develop emerging areas of global competitive advantage.
• Support supply chain adaptation and diversification opportunities to build Canadian capacity in critical sectors such as food production, medical supplies and biomanufacturing.

 

Other Federal Programs: 

Canada Recovery Benefit: CRB provides $500 per week for up to 38 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI). Please note, there have been several changes that make it easier for self-employed individuals to access EI. This program will remain in effect until September 2021. 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: CEWS covers a percentage of employees’ wages for qualifying employers. This program will remain in effect until September 2021. 

Canada Recovery Hiring Program: As the Government begins to wind down CEWS, they are encouraging business owners to apply to the new CRHP. Employers are encourage to calculate which subsidy will give them the biggest support, and apply for that subsidy. This program will remain in effect until November 20, 2021

Work Sharing Program: The work sharing program has been extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. This will provide income support to employees eligible for EI who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. This program will remain in effect until September 2021. 

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy: Rent and mortgage support until September 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit: This program provides up to $500/week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers who are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family members because of school, day-case or face facility closures, or because the child or family member is sick and/or requires to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit: This program provides up to $500/week for a maximum of two weeks for any worker who is unable to work because they have contracted COVID-19, or are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19.

Highlighly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: The program will be available through your financial institutions beginning on February 1st. These will be 100% government-backed loans and they will provide $25,000 to $1 million to be used for operational cashflow. To be eligible to apply to the HASCAP program, you must confirm one of the following with your financial institution:

1. If your business has received the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) or the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) when you apply, make sure you have your Canada Revenue Agency attestation forms demonstrating a minimum 50% revenue decline, for at least 3 months, within the 8-months before the date of your HASCAP Guarantee applications. Your financial institution will require this information to process your request.
2. If your business did not receive CEWS or CERS and is eligible for it, you must apply for CEWS and/or CERS. Your financial institution will require this information to process your request.
3. If your business does not qualify for CEWS and CERS you must provide financial statements that reflect at least three months (which do not need to be consecutive) of monthly year-over-year revenue decrease of a minimum of 50% per month, within the 8-month period prior to the date of the HASCAP Guarantee application. Your financial institution will require this information to process your request.

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Services Restriction Updates

Ontario in Step 3: Thanks to the vaccination efforts across Ontario and a continued improvement in public health indicators, the province will has entered Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, July 16th. Step 3 focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services and an increase in gathering restrictions in place. Click here to read a summary of the regulations that are currently in force. To view the official regulations, please click here.

 

 

 

• Passive screening for COVID-19 at main entrances (the signs you see at the entrance of grocery stores stating that if you have the following symptoms of COVID-19 do not enter). View Passive Screening Poster Example 
• Mandatory masks poster on your main lodge/check-in area or any other indoor common area permitted to be open at this time. View Mandatory Mask Poster Example
• Social distancing markers (either stickers or taped lines) near your check in area to keep people in line 2m apart (if possible). If the area is too small just put a note on the front door stating only 1 family/group or individual at a time to permit for social distancing. 
• You'll need to post your capacity limit in a visible area in your main lodge, check-in area, indoor dining area and patio (# of people at any one time to permit for social distancing).
• Place signage on the importance of proper hygiene in washrooms or near sanitization stations. View Handwashing Poster & Hand Sanitizing Poster

 

 

• The maximum number of individuals permitted in a business or facility that is operating in an indoor setting at 50 per cent capacity is determined by taking 50 per cent of the maximum occupant load of the business or facility, or part of a business or facility, as applicable, as calculated in accordance with Ontario Regulation 213/07 (Fire Code), made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

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Borders and Travel Restrictions

The Federal Government has announced that fully vaccinated Americans will be permitted to enter Canada beginning on August 9th, 2021. Click here for more details. We know that there are many questions regarding this announcement. NOTO will update the industry regularly as we receive answers. 

 

 

Yes. All travellers must take a PCR (molecular) test with a negative result taken within 72hrs of crossing the border.

 

Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 travelling with fully vaccinated parents must meet all other required criteria to enter Canada, including submitting information electronically through ArriveCAN and all testing requirements (which includes the pre-arrival test, and Day 1 and Day 8 post arrival testing).

 

Yes, non-vaccinated individuals between the age of 13 and 18 will need to quarantine for 14 days, and are required to take a COVID-19 test on Day 1 and Day 8 post arrival. 

 

Entry to Canada will continue to be prohibited for U.S. travellers who are not fully vaccinated and for all other foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the Orders made under the Quarantine Act.

 

ArriveCAN is a free and secure app. The Government put out a statement warning people of scam apps pretending to be ArriveCAN asking for payment information. Click here for more information on the ArriveCAN app.

 

The quarantine plan is mandatory for anyone entering Canada, regardless if they are fully vaccinated.

• Quarantine locations should be their vacation destination.
• Guests who are randomly selected for a test and test positive can choose to do their quarantine at their quarantine location here in Canada OR they can leave to go home.

 

 

• PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
• RT-PCR – reverse transcription real time PCR
• Quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
• Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
• Isothermal amplification
• Droplet digital PCR or digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)
• Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
• RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
• Ct (cycle threshold)
• CRISPR
• Sequencing
• Next generational sequencing (NGS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• Oxford Nanopore sequencing (LamPORE)
• Detection of the N gene
• Detection of Orf1a/b
• Detection of the S gene
• Detection of the E gene
• Detection of the RdRp gene

• https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/covid19/testing?ban=covid_vanity_testing
• https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing
• Please make sure to advise your guests that antigen tests are not accepted.

 

To view up-to-date information on all travel restrictions, please click here. 

 

Aviation Operations Update from Transport Canada

All passengers aged 5 or older travelling to Canada from any other country must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. These individuals will also be subject to ehnaced screening measures and temperature checks. The 14-day quaratine remains in effect. All individuals must also use the ArriveCAN app to upload their information prior to departure, be prepared to show the ArriveCAN receipt to a border security agent, check in upon arriving at their quarantine destination and check-in daily using the app. 

All passengers must wear masks while boarding, during the flight, and while un-boarding. Crews must wear masks at all times while boarding. If a distance of 2m can not be held at all times during the flight, crews must wear a mask during the flight. Exemptions apply to persons on the flight deck, i.e. pilots, flight engineers, and TC inspectors. However, if the pilot is not 2m away from another individual who isn't part of the flight deck exemptions, they must also wear a mask. Very few exceptions apply (please view regulations for more details). For non-medical masks or face coverings, they need to be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material such as cotton or linen and be large enough to completely cover a person's mouth and nose without gaping and can be secured to a person's head with ties or ear loops.

Before boarding an aircraft for a domestic flight, the operator must notify every person that intends to board the flight that they may be subject to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 taken by the provincial or territorial government at the destination for that flight.

The operator must conduct a health check of every person before the person boards an aircraft for a flight that the operator operates. This regulation states the following:

Health check

An operator conducting a health check must ask questions of every person to verify whether they exhibit the following symptoms:

• (a) a fever;
• (b) a cough; and
• (c) breathing difficulties.

In addition to the health check, the operator must ask every person

• (a) whether they have or suspect they have COVID-19
• (b) whether they have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19; and
• (c) whether they are the subject of a mandatory quarantine order as a result of recent travel or as a result of an order issued by a provincial or local public health order.

The operator must advise every person not to provide answers to the health check questions and the additional questions that they know to be false or misleading.

Anyone who states that they have been exhibiting symptoms, have been refused boarding in the past 14 days, are subject to mandatory quarantine as a result of recent travel or as a result of an order issued by a provincial or local health authority, and any individual who are visible beginning to show symptoms of COVID-19 must be denied. Individuals who do not have a mask, refuses to comply with instructions given by a crew member with respect to wearing a face mask, or refuse to answer the screening questionnaire must also be denied entry.

Operators are encouraged to read these regulations to ensure compliance. If you are using an air service, ensure they are in compliance with these regulations and ensure they provide you with information to share with your guests. Operators who are using their own aircraft are also expected to have enhanced health and safety protocols and are expected to properly screen their employees prior to boarding the plane. This means ensuring you can implement social distancing to the best of your abilities, have employees wear proper protective equipment, enhance the cleaning of the cabin space and all frequently touched areas and so forth. Operators are encouraged to follow the advice offered by Transport Canada in their "Guidance for Aviation Operators" webpage.

Transport Canada produced Canada’s Flight Plan for Navigating COVID-19 (Canada’s Flight Plan). This document is intended to serve as the foundation for aligning Canada’s current and future health and safety efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the aviation industry. This document highlights the best practices that have been implemented across the country such as physical distancing, plexiglass barriers, paperless check-ins, enhanced cleaning protocols, increased filtration systems and enhanced air condition systems, temperature screening and so forth. Click here to read the flight plan. 

 

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Conducting Maintenance? Here Are Some Resources to Help Protect Yourself and Your Employees 

We've heard from several operators who would like to bring employees to their camps to conduct maintenance. Many are concerned about how to comply with Ministry of Labour expectations and how the gathering restrictions would impact how many employees they can have on site. As a result, NOTO has conducted research to find some resources to help operators comply with emergency orders, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the expected enhanced health and safety measures.

According the the Canadian Center for Occupational Health & Safety, there should be no more than 3-4 employees per 1000 sq ft or workspace, and no more than 10 employees within a 10,000 sq ft work area. This goes for both indoor and outdoor work areas. By limiting the amount of employees on site, you can properly implement social distancing practices in the workplace. the CCOHS also created workplace tips which are updated regularly as new information becomes available from medical experts. We recommend operators reference the Work Camp information sheet from the CCOHS. This worksheet covers everything from screening employees prior to transportation, enhanced cleaning measures to protect your employees, how to implement social distancing, best practices and so forth. CCOHS also offers other tip sheets, free pandemic courses, posters, business continuity plans, as well as an emergency response planning guide.

The Government of Canada Public Health Services have also put together a page to help employers, employees and essential service workers to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace.

Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has been creating special updates with regards to COVID-19. To view the Ministry of Labour's newsletters, please click here.

We also recommend using NOTO's Working During a Pandemic document as a tool to help you meet the enhanced expectations from the Ministry of Labour.

 

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Housing Essential Workers

You may house essential workers, however, the Ministry of Labour will expect you to have signage and enhanced health and safety policies in place.

Housing Essential Workers: The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety has put together a great information sheet with tips regarding housing of workers and disinfecting/cleaning tips. Although focused on work camps, it can easily be transformed to suit your needs. Ideally, only have one employee per bedroom/cabin. Otherwise, ensure there is adequate space to ensure social distancing requirements and gathering restrictions can be met.

What type of protocols should I have in place/Ministry of Labour Expectations: The Ministry of Labour will expect you to have implemented strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols. NOTO has developped protocols for the RBT industry that have been approved by Government, you can access them here. NOTO also created this policy which can be used by operators to help them create their own policy to best suit their business needs. The ministry also expects businesses to have signage focusing on awareness of the virus and it's symptoms, enhanced hygiene practices and social distancing requirements. 

The Government of Canada has put together this very helpful webpage focusing on preventing COVID-19 in the workplace. The Government of Canada also put together a collection of infosheets, many which can be used/posted across your business to promote awareness of the virus, remind people of enhanced hygiene practices, and of social distancing requirements: 

You can also used NOTO's Infographs as a resource to help you prepare your business and enhance your cleaning protocols. NOTO is taking the lead on developing health and safety protocols designed specifically for the resource-based tourism industry. We expect that these will be available in the next two to three weeks.

What types of cleaners should I use? Health Canada have put together a table of COVID-19 approved disinfectants. These authorized disinfectants may be used against COVID-19 when used according to the label directions. To find out which disinfectant meets Health Canada's requirements for COVID-19

1. Locate the Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the disinfectant product label
2. Look for that number on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) list by typing in the DIN into the search/filter box. 

In terms of laundry, use hot water, detergent and bleach (if possible) and dry items using the hot setting until items are completely dry. For other cleaning recommendations, visit the CDC's website.

 

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Cleaning

For additional cleaning guidance and best practices, please view NOTO's health and safety protocols document. 

A Note on Foggers and UV Lights: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Health Organization DO NOT recommend fogging as a method of sanitization against COVID-19. Fogging does not adequately disinfect surfaces and may lead to eye, skin and respiratory irritation. A few health care centres have implemented the use of UV technology however the CDC and WHO state that you would still require to clean all surfaces to remove any organic matter on the surface prior to use. The efficiency of UV is highly dependent on irradiation dose, wavelength and exposure time; lamp placement; lamp age; and duration of use. Other factors include direct or indirect line of sight from the device; room size and shape; intensity; and reflection. 

PPE Recommendations:

• Disposable gloves
• Eye protection (safety glasses)
• Masks (medical or non-medical grade)
• Aprons
• Long sleeve shirts

Cleaning recommendations:

• Health Canada recommends wet cleaning (damp paper towels, microfiber cloths, mops – wash cloths/mops between each use).
• Avoid dusting/sweeping surfaces to avoid airborne droplets containing the virus.
• Only use clean rags and mops with a disinfectant solution prepared in a clean container
• Wash/clean buckets between uses – do not leave residual solution in the bucket.
• Remove all visible debris using soap and water then clean surfaces with disinfecting agents.
• Start with cleaner areas and move to dirtier ones near the end.
• Follow the instructions on disinfectant labels (solution concentrations, contact time, etc.)
• Increase air circulation (windows, hepa filtration system).
• Launder items using hot water – allow items to dry completely.
• Use garbage/recycling containers without lids or pedals to prevent hands from touching the containers – ensure the containers are lined with bags.
• Immediately remove work clothes and launder using hot water. Allow clothes to dry completely. 

 Cleaners:

• Use a pre-mixed solution where applicable
• Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions (how to prepare solution, contact time for proper disinfection)
• Always wear gloves and other recommended PPE when using products
• Discard gloves after each cleaning.  If you are using reusable gloves, ID them and dedicate them for cleaning/disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19. Do not use these gloves for any other purposes. Wash hands after removing gloves.

Cleaning Specifics for Various Surfaces:

General: 

• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, handles, remotes, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface. Ensure you follow label instructions for safe and effective use of cleaning products. Wear disposable gloves while cleaning and disinfecting. 

Hard Surfaces: 

• Clean surfaces using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. 
• For disinfection of hard surfaces, diluted household bleach solutions or alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol should be effective. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner. Ensure bleach is suitable for the surface prior to use. 

Soft, Porous Surfaces (rugs, carpeted floor, mattresses, pillows drapes):

• Clean with appropriate cleaners for those fabrics 
• Use mattress, pillow, and couch covers if possible. 
• Launder washable items (covers, rugs - if possible) using the warmest water setting appropriate for the items and dry items completely. 

Electronics (telephones, computers, tablets, remote controls, etc.): 

• Use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol.

Vehicles, Aircraft, ATVs, Boats:

• Clean as required. 
• Follow surface guidelines as stated above.  
• Ensure you regularly clean steering wheels, arm rests, seats, safety handles. 
• Display a sign stating that the vehicle was disinfected. 
• Have hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in vehicles. 

Cleaning Product Recommendations: 

Health Canada have put together a table of COVID-19 approved disinfectants. These authorized disinfectants may be used against COVID-19 when used according to the label directions. To find out which disinfectant meets Health Canada's requirements for COVID-19

1. Locate the Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the disinfectant product label
2. Look for that number on the Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) list by typing in the DIN into the search/filter box. 

Multi-surface cleaners: Follow the instructions on the cleaning product label. Based on instructions, either use full-strength or diluted according to product recommendations. Apply to the surface until thoroughly wet. Leave on the surface for the designated contact tipe required for disinfection - indicated on back of the label. Wipe with a clean cloth, sponge, or mop.

Bleach solution (5%): Use 5mL of bleach per 250mL of water. Leave on the surface for a minimum of 10 minutes. Allow to air dry. Never mix bleach with any other cleaner or ammonia. Ensure bleach is suitable for the surface prior to use. 

Disinfectant wipe and hand sanitizer: For surfaces, pre-clean surface then use a 70% alcohol based wipe to thoroughly wet the surface. Allow the surface to remain wet for 10 seconds and allow to air dry. Ensure hand sanitizer has a minimum 70% alcohol base. Rub hands until dry. 

Common Cleaners Approved by Health Canada & the CDC: 

• 3M Surface Disinfectant
• Bleach 
• Comet Bathroom Cleaner
• Clorox Cleaners
• Fantastik Cleaner
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Lysol Cleaners
• Maquat 
• Purell
• Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Cleaners
• Simple Green D Pro 3 Plus
• Spray Nine (General and Marine Cleaner*) 

You can purchase various cleaning products listed above through stores such as Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, Walmart, etc. 

 

PPE and Cleaning Product Suppliers: 

• Dimension Display - NOTO Preferred Supplier (hygiene stations, hand sanitizer, masks, signage, floor markings, counter guards)
• The SAM Group - NOTO Preferred Supplier (hand sanitizer, masks, signage)
• Daquin Sales - NOTO Preferred Supplier (hand sanitizer, masks)
• JillyFRAZ - NOTO Preferred Supplier (soap, masks)

• EcoLab (eco-friendly cleaners for the hospitality industry)
• SPI Health & Safety (PPE, temperature reading devices)
• 3M (PPE, cleaning supplies)
• Daimer Industries Inc. (cleaning products and supplies)
• Apex (PPE, sanitizer, temperature reading devices)
• First Aid Plus (masks, gowns, gloves, temperature reading products, face shields, sanitizer)
• Canadian Linen and Towels (mattress & pillow covers)
• ABC Fire & Safety (PPE)
• OC Bath & Body (hand sanitizer, gloves)
• SK Group (masks)
• Compass Imaging (signage)
• Maker North (face shields)
• SureCraft Plastics (plexiglass)
• Aviation Traders (masks, gloves, cleaners)
• Occupational Safety Group (masks, gloves, sanitizer, sanitizer stations, temperature reading devices)
• AED4Life (masks, gloves, sanitizer, cleaners)
• Advanced Safety World (masks, gloves, safety glasses)
• Action Sanitation (cleaners, masks, gloves)
• BMS Sanitation (PPE, cleaners, sanitizer)
• Viral Clean (masks, face shields) 
• Gerrie (temperature reading products)
• Deflecto (counter guards)
• ChemStation (eco-friendly, cleaners, sanitizer) 
• BioChem Environmental (cleaners, sanitizer)
• Think Green Solutions (eco-friendly solutions, PPE, cleaners, sanitizer)
• United Restaurant Supplies (kitchen cleaners, disinfectant wipes, sanitizer)
• SteriPro (PPE, masks, gloves, face shields, sanitizer, temperature reading devices)
• Sling-Choker (masks, gloves)
• Safeguard Glass (counter guards)
• Kiwk Care (sanitizer, masks, gloves, temperature reading devices)
• Global Industrial (face shields, masks, counter guards, signage)
• G&A Corporate Inc. (face shields, masks, sanitizer) 
• If you are aware of any local companies who are offering these products, please feel free to send them to us and we will add them to this list. 

The Government of Ontario also launched a PPE suppliers directory which you can use to find equipment. These cleaning recommendations were created using information from the Government of Canada (Health Canada), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Government of Ontario (Public Health Ontario). 

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Resources Operators May Find Helpful

We encourage operators to develop plans A, B and C in order to best navigate and prepare for the possible outcomes of this season. Here are are number of resources that we hope you find helpful in your plan development. We are working on other supports and will share those in the coming days and weeks:

 

 

 

• NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols for Resource-Based Tourism

• Destination Northern Ontario - Business Reopening Toolkit: Since the beginning of COVID-19, Northern Ontario has been supporting you and your business when you need it most. We have compiled the below resources to support your business through the next phase of COVID-19. As this is a phased approached, business owners need to be flexible and prepared to close if cases of COVID-19 spike in the future.

• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services - Resources for Businesses: WSPS offers business information on their COVID-19 page including pandemic preparedness checklists, job aides and much more information! Check out their Youtube page for videos to help you get back to work safely! 

• Adapt 2020: A Webinar Series for Tourism By Tourism Excellence North: This webinar series has be designed to support businesses and communities within Northern Ontario's tourism industry through COVID-19 by providing resources and connections for today and the future. 

• Candian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Pandemic Tip Sheets! Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. 

• The Canadian Business Resilience Network: The Government of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery. They are also partnering with Stats Canada on a national survey – goal to measure the impact on business, from a national perspective.

• Resources from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business: With the emergence of COVID-19, the primary concern at CFIB is keeping you, your employees and your business safe. This page will provide you with expert advice to guide you through this difficult time, as well as templates and policies that prevent viral transmission in the workplace. Topics such as business continuity, how to access financial support, EI and employee income, employee management, business security and health and safety information can be found on this page. CFIB will also continue putting pressure on governments to give your business greater relief—including direct income support.

• Payroll & COVID-19 From The Canadian Payroll Association: This flyer will help employers complete record of employments (ROEs) for employees who are need to undergo quarantine, were sent home due to the company temporarily closing, layoffs, and other reasons surrounding COVID-19. It also covers various scenarios on how to handle payroll for employees who need to stay home to take care of a sick family member or children, special measures surrounding the work sharing program and other scenarios.

• go2HR Tourism and Hospitality Health and Safety Resources: On this page, you will find information and resources for various sectors of tourism, workplace posters, COVID-19 pademic awareness training, and emergency planning and prepardness

• Tourism HR Canada: They have gathered some guidance and a series of resources to help all tourism stakeholders stay healthy, communicate clearly, and remain resilient as Canada takes action to slow the spread of the virus and plans for recovery.

• Federal Government COVID-19 Response and Supports: On this page, you will find all the information on the supports and programs announced by the Federal Government up-to-date for individuals, businesses, and industries.

• Federal Support Initiatives Through Canada's Regional Development Agencies: All tourism operators impacted by the sudden shifts in the economy who need pressing assistance could reach out to their local RDAs to receive assistance with accessing federal funding to help you stay in business and provide advice and pathfinding services to other federal programs and services applicable to you.

• Ontario's Action Plan: The government’s first steps will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax credits and deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets, while providing the resources necessary to protect their health. The announcements and supports announced so far can be seen on the link above.

• BDC - COVID-19 Business Planning Tools: These planning tools and tips can help you map out your next steps, identify new opportunities, mitigate risk and create resilience in your company, so you can emerge strong in recovery. The BDC also put together this summary table of all the supports that have been made available through both the Federal and Provincial Governments and the eligibility criteria. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view the answers to FAQs received by the NOTO staff and board of directors. The answers are regularly updated as the situation evolves. 

 

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NOTO's COVID-19 Infographs

NOTO has developed a collection of infographs to help operators to better understand the virus with tips on preventative measures, cleaning protocols and how to prepare their business overall. These infographs were created using information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Please feel free to share this information with your guests if you feel it would help. These organizations and Government websites are updated regularly throughout the day. Members who would like to follow the developments of this outbreak are encouraged to visit any of the sources listed above.

 

COVID-19: Guidance for Businesses & Employees Infograph

COVID-19: Prevention & Disinfection Recommendations Infograph

 

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NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletters

Click here to access NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletter archive.

 

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Monitoring the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Resource-Based Tourism Industry in Ontario

NOTO has developed a page dedicated to monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on resource-based tourism in Ontario. This page contains the results of all the surveys conducted by NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario, and TIAO, as well as media interviews featuring NOTO and operators from accross the province. 

Click here to access this page. 

 

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