Update:
Premier Doug Ford has just announced that 24 regions will enter Stage 3 on Friday July 17 at 12:01 a.m.
Exceptions include: Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, Niagara, Windsor-Essex, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton, and Lambton.
New limits to allow up to 100 people outdoors and up to 50 people indoors.
Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals or open houses. A two metre distance must still be maintained at such events.
Regions remaining in Stage 2 will maintain the existing gathering limit of 10. Social circles in all stages at this point will also be kept to a maximum of 10 people province-wide, regardless of stage.
The following businesses and places are permitted to reopen in Stage 3:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars
- Gyms/Fitness centres
- Casinos
- Most personal care services
- Live shows
- Performing arts/movie theatres
- Recreational facilities
- Team sports
- Live sporting events
- Tour and guide services
The Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health experts and other officials have advised the following, high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
- Amusement parks and water parks
- Buffet-style food services
- Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements
- Overnight stays at camps for children
- Private karaoke rooms
- Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports
- Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars
- Table games at casinos and gaming establishments
Health Minister Christine Elliott stated that health officials will monitor the situation to determine when restrictions on social gatherings can be loosened.
She also said they will monitor for spikes in cases and make the decision as to whether restrictions should be tightened again.
Original story:
Premier Doug Ford is slated to provide a COVID-19 update at 1:00 p.m. at Queen's Park today.
The premier is expected to unveil plans for the province to move into Stage 3 of the government's reopening framework.
According to the government's plan for reopening the economy, which was released in April, Stage 3 would allow for all businesses to reopen and further restrictions eased on the size of social gatherings.
Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, to make the announcement.
Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.
