There remains no official word on when Chatham-Kent or any region in Ontario moves into “Stage 3” of re-opening the economy.
But Premier Doug Ford gave us a very brief glimpse into changes to gatherings that might be expected.
“Certain areas like gatherings of 10 we’re trying to get gatherings of 50 and then open-air areas hopefully to 100 people,” says the Premier. “But I have stressed the golden rule of practicing social distancing. Even when we get into stage three and move forward. What we want to avoid is what’s happening south of the border”
Ford says the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee is currently reviewing the timeline and details for Stage 3. The committee reaches out to stakeholders, businesses and community representatives. The “health table” will then review and make final decisions.
“We just want to make sure we re-open safely and get the economy going,” adds the Premier. “Right after health, because that’s our number one priority – getting the economy up and going again.”
Earlier this week, Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott said the government hopes to be able to move into the next stage “as soon as possible.”
“It’s looking very good but we still need another week’s data to really inform the situation,” said Elliott.
The majority of Ontario appears to be containing the virus. Regions initially held back in Stage 2 including nearby Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton as well as the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara and Haldimand-Norfolk are still being watched closely.
The Premier acknowledged that Stage 3 would continue along with the regional approach, including the operations of school facilities in the fall.
Some officials have hinted at the end of July as a potential timeline.
Information posted by the province suggests that Stage 3 would include reopening most remaining workplaces and community spaces, while carefully and gradually lifting restrictions. Public health advice and workplace safety guidance will remain in place and available. Large public gatherings will continue to be restricted.
According to Ontario’s Framework for Re-opening the Province, an official 11-page document, Stage 3 is specifically expected to include:
– Opening all workplaces responsibly
– Further relaxing the restrictions on public gatherings. Large public gatherings such as concerts and sporting events will continue to be restricted for the foreseeable future.
– Continued protections for vulnerable populations and the continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans to limit health risks.
– This ongoing, gradual assessment of public health measures will continue until the post-pandemic period when a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is available. This staged approach reflects Ontario’s “new normal.”
TO SEE THE FULL DOCUMENT ON ONTARIO’S FRAMEWORK FOR RE-OPENING THE PROVINCE, CLICK HERE!
