Toronto 
Ontario says its plan to ease restrictions introduced because of the COVID−19 pandemic will happen in three stages, though the steps unveiled today contain few specifics or timelines.
- Stage one in the framework published today could include opening select workplaces that can modify operations, such as providing curbside pickup or delivery; opening parks; allowing for more people at certain events such as funerals; and having hospitals resume some non−urgent surgeries.
- Stage two could include opening more businesses, such as service, retail or office workplaces; opening more outdoor spaces; and allowing some larger public gatherings.
- Stage three would include having all workplaces open and further relaxing rules on public gatherings — though large ones such as sports events and concerts would still be restricted.
The framework says each of the three stages will last about two to four weeks, though it does not provide any specific dates.
At the end of each period, the chief medical officer could advise staying in that stage longer, moving onto the next stage or reintroducing certain restrictions to prevent new outbreaks.
Dr. David Williams will take various factors into account for those decisions, the framework states, including seeing a consistent, two−to−four week decrease in the number of new cases and a decrease in cases that can’t be traced back to a source.
Williams would also need to see fewer new hospitalizations and enough acute and critical care capacity in hospitals, including access to ventilators and a good supply of personal protective equipment.
The gradual reopening will continue until the pandemic has passed or a vaccine is available, the framework says.
Businesses that are reopening will be given guidelines by the government on how to do so safely, including hygiene and sanitation standards and physical distancing measures.
The province recently extended a state of emergency in place since mid−March to mid−May. Public gatherings of more than five people are banned and all non−essential businesses have been closed, as have child−care centres and outdoor recreational amenities.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced Sunday that publicly funded schools will stay closed until at least May 31.
A Framework for Reopening Ontario
WHEN WILL ONTARIO REOPEN
To reopen the economy, the Ontario government will consider factors such as 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 health experts will provide advice to the government about easing public health measures using a 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;
- Approximately 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.
STAGES OF REOPENING ONTARIO
The government is planning a stage-by-stage approach to reopening the economy to ensure there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely. Public health officials will carefully monitor each stage for two to four weeks, as they assess the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak to determine if it is necessary to change course to maintain public health.
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.
- opening select workplaces that can meet current public health guidelines
- allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people
- opening some outdoor spaces
- continued protections for vulnerable populations
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.
- opening more workplaces with significant mitigation plans
- opening more public spaces
- allowing some larger public gatherings
- continued protections for vulnerable populations
Stage 3
Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings.
- opening all workplaces responsibly
- relaxing restrictions on public gatherings
- continued protections for vulnerable populations
– – With Files From The Canadian Press
