Coronavirus (COVID-19)

On this page you will find: 

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 April 13th, 2021.

What's New on This Page


NOTO's Health and Safety Protocols & Webinar

NOTO has worked closely with our industry-led task force to develop health and safety protocols which cover all aspects of tourism from check-in, accommodations ranging from cabins to outposts and houseboats, and services related to hunting and fishing. These protocols have been vetted by Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. All businesses must have COVID-19 health & safety protocols implemented as required by the Government of Ontario. 


Click here to access them! - NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH: Cliquez ici! 

(Protocols updated January 2021)

NOTO and Gougeon Insurance Brokers also created a webinar for operators called "Resource-Based Tourism: How to Provide a Safe Environment Amidst COVID". This webinar focused on health and safety protocols and steps operators should take as they begin to open their businesses. This video can also be used as an awareness/training tool for your employees! Click here to view the webinar. 

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, a second province-wide lockdown, and faced with the possibility of 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. 
 

Provincial & Federal Government News Updates


Federal:

Border: The Canada-US border closure has been extended yet again. The next review of the closure will occur by April 21st, 2021. 

Provincial:

New Regulations Effective as of Thursday April 8th, 2021 at 12:01am

The Government of Ontario has declared yet another State of Emergency that will remain in effect for 4 weeks, with possibility of extension. All non-essential stores will return to curbside services, and big box stores will be limited to groceries, pharmaceuticals and personal care items. Anyone who is able to work from home should do so. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.

Stay-at-Home Order:

This order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. To view the official Stay-at-Home regulations, please click here.

Gatherings:

  • Indoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
  • Outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 people permitted, but must comply with public health advice on physical distancing.

Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodations:

  • Can be open but indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities that are part of the operation of these businesses, are closed.

Short term rentals (AirBnB style businesses):

  • Short-term rentals (for example, cottages, cabins) are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
  • This does not apply with respect to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation.

Seasonal campgrounds:

Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:

  • used by individuals who are in need of housing
  • permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract

Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public.

Restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments:

  • Take out, drive through, and delivery only (includes the sale of alcohol).

Marinas:

Are permitted to open but any clubhouse, restaurant, pool, communal steam room, sauna or whirlpool, meeting room, fitness centre or other recreational facility on the premises must be closed to the public, except for any portion of those areas that,

  • is used to provide first aid services,
  • is used to provide take-out or delivery service,
  • contains a washroom, or
  • provides access to an area described above.

To view the official regulations, please click here.

Please Note: Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.


Older announcements: 

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


Government Support Announced To Date

Provincial: 

The Ontario Small Business Support Grant: Open until March 31st - This grant will provide a minimum $10,000 for all eligible businesses, and provide businesses with dollar-for-dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue as a result of the December/January Lockdown. Businesses will be able to use this grant in whatever way makes most sense to them (i.e. paying wages, cover reoccurring costs, maintaining inventory, etc.) 

PPE, Property Tax and Energy Rebate Program: Businesses that have been required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to public health measures implemented under the red or lockdown zone categories can apply for rebates to help with fixed costs such as PPE (up to $1000), property tax and energy bills. Operators must submit proof of purchase for PPE costs, and 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: 

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. 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: CEWS covers up to 75% of employees’ wages for qualifying employers. This program will remain in effect until June 2021. 

Canada Emergency Business Account: CEBA provides up to $60,000 loans (up to $20,000 forgivable if paid by December 2022) to small businesses and not-for-profits that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19, but continue to face ongoing non-deferrable costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes and wages. This program will remain open until June 2021.

Regional Relief Recovery Fund: The RRRF provides unconditionally repayable and conditionally repayable contributions to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises, of up to a maximum of $500,000 for a period of up to twelve months (funding amounts vary based on needs of individual businesses). Businesses must show that they could not access other Government of Canada COVID-19 relief supports or that it can demonstrate the need for incremental support if funding was received from other programs. This program provides rural businesses in the North with access to capital through FedNor, and businesses South of the Nipissing, Parry Sound and Muskoka Districts through FedDev. Closes June 2021.  

Business Credit Availability Program:  This program makes loans more accessible to businesses of all types and sizes. Export Development Canada is working with financial institutions to guarantee loans for small and medium-sized enterprises to be used for operational expenses. The amount of financing depends on business revenues. This program is available at various banks and credit unions and will remain available until June 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.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy: Rent and mortgage support until June 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. The application will remain open until June 30th, 2021. 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.

Services Restriction Updates

Province-Wide Lockdown & Stay-at-Home Order in Effect

New Regulations Effective as of Thursday April 8th, 2021 at 12:01am

The Government of Ontario has declared yet another State of Emergency that will remain in effect for 4 weeks, with possibility of extension. All non-essential stores will return to curbside services, and big box stores will be limited to groceries, pharmaceuticals and personal care items. Anyone who is able to work from home should do so. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.

Stay-at-Home Order:

This order requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely. To view the official Stay-at-Home regulations, please click here.

Gatherings:

  • Indoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
  • Outdoor gatherings of no more than 5 people permitted, but must comply with public health advice on physical distancing.

Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodations:

  • Can be open but indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities that are part of the operation of these businesses, are closed.

Short term rentals (AirBnB style businesses):

  • Short-term rentals (for example, cottages, cabins) are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
  • This does not apply with respect to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation.

Seasonal campgrounds:

Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:

  • used by individuals who are in need of housing
  • permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract

Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public.

Restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments:

  • Take out, drive through, and delivery only (includes the sale of alcohol).

Marinas:

Are permitted to open but any clubhouse, restaurant, pool, communal steam room, sauna or whirlpool, meeting room, fitness centre or other recreational facility on the premises must be closed to the public, except for any portion of those areas that,

  • is used to provide first aid services,
  • is used to provide take-out or delivery service,
  • contains a washroom, or
  • provides access to an area described above.

To view the official regulations, please click here.

 

Please Note: Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.

 

Borders and Travel Restrictions


The Canada-US border closure has been extended. The next review of this closure is set to take place on April 21st, with possibility of extension. There is no timeline as to when the Canada-USA border may re-open to leisure travel.

CBSA has also confirmed that all internation travel restrictions will remain in place until April 31st, with possibility of extension. 

Letter from CBSA - Received March 26th

As the summer season approaches, we hope this letter helps provide you with current information that may assist you in your decision making and preparations with respect to opening and operating your camps/lodges for the 2021 season.

The COVID-19 pandemic has required an ever-evolving response from all levels of government and as such the information provided to you today is also likely to evolve in the coming days, weeks and months.

At this time, as the border restrictions continue to be revisited on a 30 day basis, camps/lodges will only be allowed to host Canadian guests.

Foreign Nationals who own a Canadian camp/lodge will continue be allowed to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit at a port of entry, providing their business qualifies to open and their intent is to operate for the 2021 season.

If your camp/lodge typically hosts only US citizen guests, you will need to provide information regarding your business plan should the border restrictions continue to be extended throughout the 2021 season.

Upon being issued a work permit, you will be allowed to enter as an authorized worker, but will be required to follow all federal, provincial and regional regulations in place with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please see the following links for information:

 

To facilitate safe, effective and timely processing of your work permits we ask that you contact the Port of Entry where you normally cross and they will direct you as to any changes in the process.

 

Last season Fort Frances and Sault Ste Marie Ports of Entry implemented a pre-screening process for camp owner work permit issuance that proved safe and effective for both our clients and our officers. With that in mind, Fort Frances, Rainy River and Sault Ste Marie Ports of Entry plans to offer a similar process this year.

 

Telephone number for our Ports of Entry are as follows:

 

 

Lindsey Norris

 

Superintendent 16438, Operations Branch

 

Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada

 

Please Note: NOTO is continuing to look for exemptions for those operators who will be doing their quarantine in remote locations where compliance with the quarantine requirements will be an issue. We will keep you posted.

 

** IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR US CAMP OWNERS - RECEIVED MARCH 12th** 

We have just learned this week that your 14-day quarantine will be more complicated this year. We are looking for your feedback on the list of requirements below.

Your 14-day quarantine plan will need to include the following:

We are aware that these specific requirements will pose issues for some of you but I am trying to get an assessment of how many and which requirements will pose the greatest issues. Please email laurie@noto.net ASAP with your feedback.

We urge you to share this information with those that may not be getting our emails and encourage them to contact us as well.

Important Links: 



Information for US Camp Owners on Border Crossing

Similarly to last year, all operators are encouraged to apply for their work permits online prior to arriving at the border. Operators will need to book an appointment with the border crossing of their choice.

Before going to the border crossing, operators will need to have a sound quarantine plan, have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, and enter all relevant information using the ArriveCAN app.

Once you arrive at the border, an officer will screen you for COVID-19 and you will be expected to take another COVID-19 test upon arrival. An officer will then go through all the required documentation to ensure everything is in order. You will also be given two COVID-19 take-home test which you will need to take when you arrive at your place of quarantine and near the end of your quarantine period (Day 10). If you begin to show COVID-19 symptoms or have an unsuitable quarantine plan, you will be sent to a designated quarantine facility. Otherwise, you will be cleared to go to your place of quarantine.

Everyday during your quarantine period, you will be required to use the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343 to check-in and to report symptoms daily.

CBSA has prepared a flow chart indicating which preparations camp owners need to consider prior to arrival at the border. You can access this by clicking here.

If you would like to learn more about Canada's Travel restrictions or additional information on the ArriveCAN app, click here.

 

Air Travel & Land Border Restrictions/Requirements:

All international flights, including flights from the US, will land at the Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal airports. All international travellers will need to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flights. As of February 22nd, mandatory PCR testing at the airport will be required in addition to the pre-boarding test. Travellers will then need to quarantine in a designated hotel for up to 3 days while they await their test results, at the travellers expense, which is expected to be more than $2000. Those with a negative test will then finish their 14-day quarantine at home with increased surveillance, while those who test positive will be transferred to a Government-designated facility. All travellers must take another test towards the end of their 14 day quarantine as well. 

As of February 15, 2021, all travellers entering Canada via a land border crossing will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. As of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.

All travellers arriving by land or air will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.

Use of the ArriveCAN app:

Pre-arrival to Canada: Travelers will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight or before arriving at a land border crossing. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. A border services officer will verify that they have submitted their information digitally therefore travelers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when asked. Travelers who do not submit the required information could be subject to enforcement action, including up to $1,000 in fines. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.

Post-entry to Canada: Travelers who enter Canada by air, land or marine modes, will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling 1-833-641-0343 during their quarantine period. Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travelers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine and must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period. Travelers who don’t use the ArriveCAN app to submit their information will be required to call 1-833-641-0343 on a daily basis throughout their quarantine period to provide their post-border information. They will not be able to revert to using ArriveCAN. Travelers who do not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement.

 


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:

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

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.


All of the latest transportation updates for aviation, rail, marine and road can be seen here. Operators with any further questions can contact Transportation Canada via e-mail at questions@tc.gc.ca

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. 

 

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.

 


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: Have a policy in your employee manual that focuses on working during a pandemic. NOTO 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.

 

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:

Cleaning recommendations:

 Cleaners:


Cleaning Specifics for Various Surfaces:

General: 

Hard Surfaces: 

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

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

Vehicles, Aircraft, ATVs, Boats:


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: 

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: 


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). 



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:

 

 

 


  • Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada's COVID-19 Awareness Toolkit: This toolkit includes a range of resources and information intended for businesses and organizations, to provide them with the tools they need to help keep individuals safe, healthy and informed. The kit also includes, ready-to-print posters, informational videos, social media content ideas and other links to resources targeted to specific groups of individuals. 

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. 

 

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

 

 

NOTO's COVID-19 Newsletters

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

 

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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NOTO 386 Algonquin Avenue, North Bay, ON P1B 4W3 • T 705.472.5552 • F 705.472.0621 • info@noto.net
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