Ontario Moving to stage 1 of COVID-19 Reopening

By: Laura Steiner

Ontario will move to stage one of its reopening plan 12:01 a.m. June 11, 3 days earlier than first thought.  The decision based on public health data was announced by Premier Doug Ford.

“The only reason we are to do so, is because of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities across Ontario, ” Ford said. The reopening was triggered by the province’s ability to vaccinate 60% of adults with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for two weeks.  Ontario reached that milestone June 6, at 8pm.

“While this is exciting news, as we move to enter step one of Ontario’s roadmap it remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow public health advice, and roll up their sleeves to receive the vaccines,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said.

The first step focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities, with limits raised

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events to 10 people
• Religious services: Outdoor- capped to the number of people that maintain a physical distance of two metres.  Indoor: 15% capacity of a room
• Non-essential retail: Limited to to 15% capacity.  Restrictions removed on what goods can be sold
• Outdoor dining: 4 people/ table with exceptions for larger householders
• Outdoor fitness classes/outdoor groups in personal training/ team or individual training limited to 10 people.  Other restrictions may also apply
• Day camps: To reopen under COVID-19 guidelines from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.
• Overnight camps at campgrounds, campsites including Ontario parks will open for short-term rentals
• Concert Venues/Theatres/Cinemas: Open with no more than 10 performers outdoors in order to rehearse and perform a recorded a broadcasted concert, artistic event, theatrical performance
• Operating without spectators: Outdoor horse-racing tracks, and speedways
• Outdoor attractions such as zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens are allowed to open with restrictions.

The province will be in stage one for at least three weeks  in order to evaluate impacts on public health.  Indicators for a move to stage two include the vaccination of 70% of adults with at least 1 dose of vaccine, and 20% with two doses.