Premier Doug Ford says he will meet with the province’s top doctor and health and science table to make a decision about whether Ontario can make an earlier move to Step 2 in the reopening plan.
Ford says he can’t put an official date on the next stage but stresses he can’t wait for Ontario to open up further.
He notes he will be sitting down with Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams and get his guidance before his planned retirement next week.
“I’m pushing him. I think everyone is pushing him. When it comes to hair dressers. Folks hang in there. We’re going to get there as soon as possible.”
Ford announced the three-step plan in May, and said the province must stay in each stage for at least 21 days.
Ontario entered Step 1 on June 11.
The second step of the provincial plan is currently scheduled for July 2.
Ford says, “I just want to tell the people of Ontario. There’s no one that wants to open this economy more than I do. I just want to make sure we do it cautiously. I want to get the stamp of approval from all the doctors and we’re going to be well on our way.”
Case numbers are low and hospitalizations and intensive care admissions have steadily continued to decline.
Ford says all of the credit for the recovery goes to the people of Ontario for getting their COVID vaccine and following public health orders.
Stage 2 Allows For:
- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people
- Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 5 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 6 people per table
- Essential retail capacity at 50%
- Non-essential retail capacity at 25%
- Larger indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services with capacity limits
- Overnight camps
- Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times
- Outdoor meeting and event spaces
- Outdoor amusement and water parks
- Outdoor sports games, leagues and events
- Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions
