Ontario will begin the gradual reopening of its economy this week.
Premier Doug Ford says the state of emergency declared last month will be allowed to expire as scheduled tomorrow, but the stay-at-home order will remain in effect until regions gradually transition back to the government’s colour-coded restrictions system over the next three weeks.
As of 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, the province’s stay-at-home order will be lifted for three public health units in eastern Ontario: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and Renfrew County and District Health Unit.
The Ford government’s stay-at-home order will be in effect for the remaining 28 public health units, including Simcoe County and Muskoka, until at least February 16th, while the province’s three COVID-19 hot spots (Toronto, York and Peel) will not see any restrictions eased until at least Feb. 22.
“Our number one priority will always be protecting the health and safety of all individuals, families and workers across the province,” said Premier Ford. “But we must also consider the severe impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses. That’s why we have been listening to business owners, and we are strengthening and adjusting the Framework to allow more businesses to safely reopen and get people back to work.”
To support the province’s economic recovery, the government has updated the Framework to allow for a safer approach to retail. Limited in-person shopping in Grey-Lockdown zones will be permitted with public health and safety measures, such as limiting capacity to 25 per cent in most retail settings.
Other measures include a requirement for individuals to wear a face covering when attending an organized public event or gathering (where permitted) if they are within two metres distance of another individual who is not part of their household (both indoor and outdoor). All other requirements for gatherings and organized public events would be maintained.
“While we have seen some progress in our fight against COVID-19, the situation in our hospitals remains precarious and the new variants pose a considerable threat to all of us,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “As we cautiously and gradually transition out of the provincewide shutdown, we have developed an emergency brake system giving us the flexibility to contain community spread quickly in a specific region, providing an extra layer of protection.”
Update: Ontario ski hills WILL reportedly be allowed to open in all regions, including grey (lockdown) zones, as of next week, with conditions.
For more details, please click here.
While we have seen reductions in daily COVID cases, we still have a long road ahead. That’s why we are extending the Stay-at-Home Order across most of the province.
Let’s keep up the hard work by following public health measures and staying at home as much as possible. pic.twitter.com/vVilsQ2KtN
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/CPAC_TV/status/1358850800232132611
Stay-at-home orders remain in 31 public health regions, so Ontario can gradually and safely transition back to the #COVID19 Response Framework. Learn how this affects you: https://t.co/1a4tfekhf7 #StayHomeON pic.twitter.com/2bnXgFtzAP
— Ministry of the Solicitor General (@ONsafety) February 8, 2021