COVID-19 Updates - January 2021

Release date: January 15, 2021
 

COVID-19 Updates - January 2021

A lot has changed since our last COVID-19 update on November 3, 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to worsen in Ontario, and particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. The CCI-T Legislative Committee has been monitoring the new governmental restrictions and public health guidelines. Below is a brief overview of the new restrictions, but for more detail, be sure to consult the new and existing regulations, and contact legal counsel and/or public health authorities.

What do the new government restrictions mean for condominium corporations?

• Masks: The mask requirements have not changed. It is still mandatory for everyone to wear a face mask which covers the mouth, nose and chin, in all indoor common areas, unless one or more exceptions apply. Wearing a mask is now recommended outdoors as well.
• Physical Distancing: Everyone on the common elements must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person, except from their caregiver or from members of the person’s household, unless certain exceptions apply.
• Indoor Gatherings: Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are prohibited (except with members of the same household). With these restrictions, under no circumstances should condominium corporations be hosting indoor meetings.
• Outdoor Gatherings: The gathering limits for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings have been reduced to 5 people outdoors, provided that physical distancing and face covering rules are followed.
• Amenities: Toronto Public Health strongly recommends that all condominiums close non-essential common areas such as gyms, pools, spas (whirlpool, hot tubs), playrooms and other high-traffic areas to be consistent with provincial restrictions.
• Construction: Non-essential construction is further restricted (the restrictions are set out in the new regulations, hyperlinked above). If a condominium corporation is unsure whether their construction project or construction in a unit is in compliance with the new restrictions, legal counsel should be contacted.
• Reporting Obligations: On January 4, 2020, the City of Toronto Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction to all workplaces, which, among other things, imposes reporting obligations on businesses/organizations (which includes condominium corporations) with respect to COVID-19. A copy of this important Letter of Instruction can be found here.

The CCI-T Legislative Committee intends on providing further COVID-19 updates, if and when additional information is released.