Today, Ontario revealed its 'slow and measured' roadmap to reopening.
When the provincewide emergency brake is lifted, Ontario has a new approach to reopening and will not be returning to the colour-coded framework.
The new three-phased plan is expected to start June 14 with each phase lasting at least 21 days.
With the stay-at-home order set to expire June 2, the province will remain under the emergency brake restrictions. Schools remain closed with remote learning. Outdoor dining and non-essential retail will remain closed until the new phased-in plan starts.
This Saturday, May 22, outdoor amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, soccer and other sports fields, basketball courts and skate parks will be allowed to resume.
Outdoor gathering limits have also been expanded to five people, which the province says "will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households."
"All other public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake will remain in effect," reads the announcement.
Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott said the steps to reopening are based on provincewide vaccination rates and improvements in key public health and healthcare indicators.
The plan is:
Step one
- Resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds and permitting retail with restrictions.
- Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining of up to four people and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity.
- With restrictions, it includes pools, splash pads, fitness classes, zoos and religious services, said Elliott.
Step two
- Further expands outdoor activities and resumes limited indoor services with small numbers of people
- Outdoor gatherings up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, non-essential retail at 25 per cent capacity, public libraries and personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits
Step three
- Expands access to indoor settings with restrictions, including with a larger number of people and where face masks can’t always be worn. This includes, but isn’t limited to, gyms, cinemas, performing arts facilities, indoor dining and museum with capacity limits.
Vaccination thresholds will have to be met. They are:
- Step one: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose
- Step two: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose, 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses
- Step three: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose, 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses