Hamilton, Halton, Niagara not included in Ontario Stage Two reopening this Friday

The Ontario government has announced new details surrounding Stage 2 reopening plan that starts Friday, June 12. However, some regions will not be permitted to start phase two on Friday with the rest of the province.

Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, Haldimand and most regions in the Golden Horseshoe area will remain in Phase One. The regions that have been chosen to remain in Phase One are based on trends of key public health indicators, including virus spread and containment, as well as health system and incidence-tracking capacity. The Ontario government will gradually allow other regions into Phase Two when they are directed by medical and scientific professionals.

However, certain restrictions will be lifted province-wide no matter the phase the region is in.

Public & Social Gatherings

Regardless of where you live in Ontario, social gathering limits will be expanded to up to 10 people. People must still practice physical distancing by keeping at least two metres away from others outside of their household.

Places of Worship

Places of worship will be allowed to reopen across the province but will be limited to an attendance of 30 percent of the buddings capacity. Social distancing protocols will be put in place for spiritual leaders and their staff.

Stage 2

Businesses and services permitted to move to Stage 2 with proper health and safety measure in place are:

•  Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios,
  curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties;
•  Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in
  place, including tattoo parlours, barbershops, hair salons and beauty salons;
• Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out
  and outdoor dining only;
• Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting
  and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries;
• Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all
  swimming pools;
• Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks;
•  Camping at private campgrounds;
• Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable
  physical distancing;
• Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural
  appreciation, such as art installations;
•  Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing; and
• Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people.

The Ontario government is also saying they will be releasing more details on services that will help families who are going back to work including:

• Child care
• Summer camps
• Post-secondary education pilots to help people graduate
• Training centres
•  Public transit

“We are able to make this announcement today because of the extraordinary effort of our frontline workers and every other person in the province who helped to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Entering Stage 2 means parts of the province will see more people back on the job and an opportunity to get back together with friends and family. Although this is extremely encouraging, I urge everyone to exercise caution and continue to follow public health advice as we are not out of the woods yet.”