WEST CARLETON – A new COVID-19 app and the Protecting Small Business Act are highlights from today’s (June 18) COVID-19 updates issued separately by the federal and provincial governments.

Federal updates

Prime Minister Trudeau announced the upcoming launch of a new nation-wide mobile app to provide notifications of exposure to COVID-19 across Canada. Beta testing will begin in Ontario.

As the culture and heritage industry continues to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada must continue its efforts to support affected organizations that still face significant challenges and financial pressures. That is why the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, today announced new measures to assist the museum sector as well as the first component of Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations.

Provincial updates

The Ontario government passed the Protecting Small Business Act , temporarily halting or reversing evictions of commercial tenants and protecting them from being locked out or having their assets seized during COVID-19. The legislation applies to businesses that are eligible for federal/provincial rent assistance for evictions from May 1 until Aug. 31.

The Ontario government is encouraging consumers to mark Ontario Craft Beer Week and Ontario Wine Week by supporting local beverage alcohol producers as the province takes additional steps to help the sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

The Ontario Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, announced $15 million to purchase thousands of classroom computers, and $10 million to hire additional mental health workers.

As the province safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government is enhancing case and contact management to quickly test, trace and isolate cases of COVID-19 to stop the spread of the virus and prepare for any potential future waves.