No hard dates have been set when it comes to when Ontario will reopen its economy.
That from Premier Doug Ford today, who says the Provincial framework is about how Ontario will reopen, not when.
Health Minister Christine Elliott stressed that together we have saved lives due to the measures already taken, but the threat isn’t over yet.
The reopening plan will follow three stages, from opening select workplaces that can immediately modify their operations, to opening more, which could include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces, on to finally opening all workplaces.
Fewer daily Covid-19 cases, ongoing health system capacity, ensuring that local health units can contact new cases within a days’ time and improved testing will also be part of the restriction-lifting plan.
In the meantime, Ford says we have to stay home and continue social distancing.
“We arent going to be rushed into anything,” said Ford. “The health and well being of the province is the number one priority and making sure we follow the guidelines of the Chief Medical Officer.”
Government officials add that it’s the choices the government, the public and employers make in the future which will shape the restart phase.
More Details On The Three Stage Plan
- Stage 1: For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately modify operations to meet public health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services.
- Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces. Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and more outdoor spaces would open.
- Stage 3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings.
To reopen the economy, the government will also consider factors like the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and the ability to implement protective measures to keep workplaces safe.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts will provide advice to the government about easing public health measures using a wide range of set criteria, including:
- A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases.
- Sufficient acute and critical care capacity, including access to ventilators and ongoing availability of personal protective equipment.
- Ensuring 90 per cent of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by local public health officials within one day, with guidance and direction to contain community spread; and
- Ongoing testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, especially of vulnerable populations, to detect new outbreaks quickly.
During each stage, protection for vulnerable populations must still be in place, along with physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene.
Today we released A Framework for Reopening our province. When the time is right, these are the principles we’ll use to safely reopen Ontario and get on the path to economic recovery. Learn more: https://t.co/2XoBa4FCWu pic.twitter.com/ZV1tHpCjMr
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 27, 2020
Today we released A Framework for Reopening our Province. When the time is right and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, this is the roadmap we’ll use to safely reopen Ontario and get on the path to economic recovery. Learn more: https://t.co/63FAco0iL5 pic.twitter.com/2eI83Egtlv
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) April 27, 2020
For Premier Doug Ford’s full April 27th address, see below.