This is the response we received this morning from Essential Workplaces Support/the Ministry of Transportation:
"I want to thank you again for your inquiry. I am sharing with you the information that was discussed on our call this morning. As noted over the phone, I will not be able to tell you whether or not you may choose to stay open. Nor can I provide advice or a formal statement of the Government's views.
Ultimately you must make this determination. Keeping the supply chain and its critical supports moving - in air, rail, marine and road transportation - is important to Ontario.
To help you make that decision, the Ontario government has provided guidance. First, I would recommend that you consult the list of essential services that was issued by the government that can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces
Some business are not directly included on the list, but are included because of the role they play in relation to listed essential businesses. In this regard, other questions you can ask are:
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Does your business provide other essential businesses or essential services with the support, supplies, systems or services necessary to operate? (Coincides with bullet 1 in the list)
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Does your business provide motor vehicle, auto-supply, auto and motor-vehicle-repair services? (Coincides with bullet 6 in the list)
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Does your business provide materials and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of transportation systems (road, transit, rail, air and marine)? (Coincides with bullet 18 in the list"
It would be interesting to see what everyone has decided to do. Currently we have shut down all of our automatic and indoor/outdoor bays in hopes of getting a concrete response to if we are allowed to continue operating or not. As that clear answer may not become available in the next couple of days, we are considering re-opening with reduced hours and maintaining a safe workplace for our employees. Given the information provided, does the carwash association have a recommendation?