An Ontario government source says the premier will announce Tuesday that hydro rates will be temporarily lowered as many people work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
The source told CBC Toronto it will be done by moving all of the current time-of-use pricing to off-peak rates.<\/p>\n As first reported by the Globe and Mail, it’s expected families will save more than $20 per month, small businesses will save $150 and farms will save more than $300.<\/p>\n The new pricing structure will be in place for 45 days and is expected to cost the government about $162 million.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the closure of all non-essential businesses in Ontario\u00a0to help curb the spread of COVID-19 will take effect later today.<\/p>\n Premier Doug Ford announced the closures Monday to help curb the spread of COVID-19.<\/p>\n The government says that Ontarians will still have access to grocery stores and pharmacies, and their power and telecommunications will continue to run.<\/p>\n Businesses that support IT infrastructure service providers, power generation, natural gas distribution and clean drinking water will also stay open.<\/p>\n Beer, wine and liquor stores have been given\u00a0the green light to continue operations, as have gas stations, taxis and vehicle repair businesses.<\/p>\n Ontario reported 78 new COVID-19 cases Monday \u2014 the largest increase in a day so far \u2014 bringing the provincial total to 503, including six deaths and eight cases that have fully resolved.<\/p>\n Updated numbers from the province are expected around 10:30 a.m. ET and again at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Ford will speak to the media from Queen’s Park at 1:00 p.m. He will be joined by Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford and Finance Minister Rod Phillips.<\/p>\n You can watch a livestream of that news conference in this file.<\/p>\n The parent company of Real Canadian Superstore said late Monday that an employee at its location on Gibb Street in Oshawa location has tested positive for COVID-19.<\/p>\n In an email to PC Optimum members, Loblaw\u00a0Companies Limited executive chairman Galen Weston said the location will be closed for a “deep-clean” and that the company is in contact with public health officials.<\/p>\n “To keep our stores safe, we will partner with public health to identify and support any colleagues who should self-isolate. They will be instructed to stay home and we will pay them in full,” Weston said.<\/p>\n CBC<\/p>\nNon-essential businesses to close<\/h2>\n
Grocery store\u00a0employee tests positive for COVID-19<\/h2>\n