Covid-19: Non-Essential Construction Is Shut Down…Again (But What Does That Really Mean?)

In reaction to a spiking third wave of COVID-19 cases across the province, the Ontario government has implemented new emergency orders, this time including the prohibition of non-essential construction.

While those of us supporting the construction industry have long-held that the nature of the work provides some measures of protection against the spread of the virus, new data is suggesting that regular public health measures are not enough (or not being followed strictly enough) to stem the tide of COVID's variants of concern on construction projects.

However, there is a considerable list of construction work that can continue even under the latest lockdown measures.  Most notably, residential construction and all construction associated with the health care sector and long-term care may continue.  You can read the full text of the newly-amended  O. Reg. 297/21: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 1 here.  The Construction Industry provisions are reproduced in full below.