Ontarians have been patiently following provincial guidelines ever since the pandemic started. With the stay-at-home order coming to an end, it is safe to say that the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming brighter. Shifting away from the regional colour-coded reopening scheme, Ontario has implemented a new three-step model for a safe provincial reopening plan.
What does the new re-opening plan have in store for you and your business?
The three-step model is based on vaccination rates within the province, and Ontario will stay in each stage for at least 21 days to evaluate trends in public health.
Step 1 is set to begin on June 14th. The vaccination target for this stage is for 60% of adults to have one dose. Outdoor gatherings of 10 people will be allowed to occur, and restaurants can open dining for up to four people per table. Essential retail capacity will be 25%, while non-essential retail will open to 15% capacity. However, it is important to note that retail stores in malls will continue to stay closed unless the store has a street-facing entrance.
The province will move into step 2 once 70% of adults have received one dose and 20% have received two doses. In this stage, restaurant owners will be able to seat 6 people outdoors per table. Non-essential retail stores will go up to 25% capacity, with essential retail at 50% capacity. Owners of indoor spaces will now be able to host meetings and events with limited capacity. More outdoor events will resume, such as: outdoor cinemas, horse racing, tours, waterparks, and amusement parks.
Ontario will enter Step 3 once 70-80% of adults have received one dose and 25% of adults have received two. If you’re a restaurant or gym owner, you will be able to reopen with limited capacity for indoor activities. Personal care services will begin, as well as indoor cinemas, zoos, aquariums, and casinos.
Despite various stakeholders advocating for the reopening of schools and an accelerated return to normal, Doug Ford and his cabinet are adamant about maintaining restrictions. With less than a year left till the next provincial election, Doug Ford’s approval ratings are dropping – placing him in a vulnerable position. Perhaps a safe and smart reopening plan could be what Ford needs to bring those numbers up.
Rumours have been circulating that Ontario might enter step 1 before June 14, 2021 – if that is the case, Summa Strategies will keep you updated.To read more on Ontario’s reopening to help you and your business prepare, click here.
