Ontario will begin reopening its economy on Wednesday by gradually transitioning regions back to a colour-coded restrictions system.
A stay-at-home order will remain in place for communities until they move over to the tiered system. The province is also bringing in an "emergency brake" it can use to move regions back into lockdown if cases spike. Here's a breakdown of the plan:
Feb. 10: The regions of Hastings Prince Edward; Kingston Frontenac and Lennox and Addington; and Renfrew County and District will enter the "green" category of the restrictions system. That will allow non-essential retailers to open, restaurants to offer indoor dining, and personal care services to open.
Feb. 16: The province's remaining public health units will transition to the colour-coded restrictions system, except for three hot spots in the Greater Toronto Area. The category regions are placed in will depend on case rates at the time.
Feb. 22: The hot spots of Toronto, Peel Region and York Region are expected to transition back to the colour-coded restrictions system, though the province said any sudden increase in cases could delay that plan.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2021.
The Canadian Press
