As COVID-19 continues to spread across Canada and cases in Ontario increase, it is important to remain calm and informed on the current status and threats.
The Chamber is providing the latest updates and resources for your business to take the appropriate measures to protect employee and customer health.
Friday, April 3, 2020
To date, we have 141 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex, with 3 COVID-19 related deaths.
Overall, 1,237 individuals have been tested for COVID-19; and 268 tests are pending.
There are 11,283 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada and 2,793 cases in Ontario, with 53 deaths
*** These numbers are as of April 2, 4:00pm
Message from the Chamber President & CEO, Rakesh Naidu
While the current risk to residents of Windsor-Essex posed by COVID-19 remains low, we can take measures to protect our business partners, colleagues, family and friends. As it stands, social distancing measures have proven to be the most effective means to contain the spread of the virus.
Effective immediately, our physical office space will be closed to the public and the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce (WERCC) staff will practice social distancing and some will work from home. In addition, all WERCC events scheduled to mid-April have been postponed. Events currently scheduled for later dates will be determined in the coming weeks.
The work of the Chamber will continue. We are set-up to work remotely and therefore can connect with you. The Chamber team is committed to providing the highest levels of service to all our Members. More than ever, we recognize the importance of providing our support to our Members. Our services, availability, and responsiveness remain unchanged. Contact information for all WERCC staff is available here.
We will continue to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to COVID-19 closely and work with our Members, partners and all levels of government to provide support to the Windsor-Essex business community.
News & Information
- March 23: The Province of Ontario releases the list of essential businesses and services NOT required to close. All other businesses and services are mandated to close for 14 days effective 11:59PM, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. See list of essential businesses HERE.
- March 24: The Province of Ontario announces a suspension of Time of Use (TOU) electricity rates for small businesses and farm customers. This will hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour. The hold is effective immediately and will be active for 45-days. See HERE for more information.
- March 25: Ontario Finance Minister, Rod Phillips announces Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. Read the Government of Ontario news release HERE.
- March 25: The Government of Canada announces the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) as part of the Canada Economic Response Plan announced earlier this morning.
- March 27: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces additional new measures to support small businesses dealing with economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full news release HERE.
- April 1: The Government of Canada announced the details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program. The program will provide employers a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks. Full details available HERE. Access the Chamber's Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program summary HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What business types has the Government of Ontario deemed 'essential'?
A: On March 23, 2020, the Province of Ontario published a list of Essential Workplaces that would be allowed to remain open and active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complete list can be found here: www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces
Q: Who can I contact if i have questions about the Essential Workplaces List?
A: The Stop the Spread Business Information Line is available Monday-Sunday, 8:30AM-5:30PM. Please call 1-888-444-3659.
Q: What services are still available in my municipality?
A: Please click on your municipality for specific information.
Q: My business is ready to assist in the fight against COVID-19. What products or services are the Government of Canada looking for businesses to supply?
A: The Government of Canada has provided a list of products and services that they are currently in need of. The list is posted and will be updated HERE.
Additional assistance can be found by contacting the National toll-free Infoline at 1-800-811-1148. This Infoline is available Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Government Resources & Programs for Businesses
Government of Canada
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Resources for Canadian businesses
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Information for Agriculture & Agri-Food Industry
Province of Ontario
Ontario Together - Help Fight Coronavirus
Resources, Toolkits & Guides for your Business
Business Development Bank of Canada: Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs
Business Development Bank of Canada: Support for entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus
Canadian Payroll Association : Payroll Continuity Best Practice Guidelines
Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Keeping You and Your Employees Safe
Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Small Business Help Centre
Canadian Franchise Association: COVID-19 Resources
Deloitte: Practical Steps for Pandemic Preparedness
Export Development Canada: COVID-19
Grant Thornton: Guiding Businesses through Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Resource Page
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS): Business Pandemic Preparedness Checklist
We want to hear from you!
Are you a local business professional trying to navigate through COVID-19? What are your current work plans, needs and how can the Windsor-Essex Chamber help?
Send your input to Director of Sales & Marketing, Keith Chinnery at kchinnery@windsoressexchamber.org