Citing the vaccination rate and ”continuing improvements” in key public health indicators, the Ford government has decided to move Ontario into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen this Friday – three days earlier than planned.
”The only reason we’re able to do so is because of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities,” says Doug Ford in a statement.
Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 and limited outdoor dining will be allowed as more businesses will be permitted to open for in-store sales with capacity restrictions.
Outdoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, capped at the number of people where a distance of two-metres can be maintained.
Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including weddings and funerals permitted at up to 15% capacity of the room.
Non-essential retail permitted at 15% capacity, with no restrictions on goods sold.
Essential and other select retail permitted at 25% capacity, with no restrictions on what is sold.
The province will remain in Step One for at least 21-days before deciding whether to move to the next phase.