Ontario is slowly but surely reopening its doors after a long and arduous battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The province’s three-step plan, which was announced on May 20th, aims to gradually ease restrictions and return life to some semblance of normalcy. And at the heart of this plan lies Stage 1 – an important milestone that marks the beginning of Ontario’s journey toward recovery. But what exactly is Stage 1? When does it start? And what can we expect during this phase?
So if you’re curious about Ontario’s reopening plan or simply want to stay informed about the latest developments in your area, keep reading!
What is Stage 1 of Ontario’s Reopening Plan?
Stage 1 is the first phase of Ontario’s reopening plan, which allows for the gradual easing of restrictions that were put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It was implemented on May 22nd and marked a significant milestone for businesses and individuals across the province.
Under Stage 1, some non-essential businesses were allowed to reopen for curbside pickup or delivery only. This included garden centres, hardware stores, and certain retail outlets. Additionally, outdoor recreation activities such as golf courses and marinas were permitted to resume operations with strict health and safety measures in place.
However, it’s important to note that gatherings are still restricted under Stage 1. Indoor gatherings are limited to five people or fewer while outdoor gatherings can have up to ten people with physical distancing guidelines in effect.
Stage 1 serves as an important first step towards a more normal way of life in Ontario but it’s crucially important that everyone continues following public health guidance during this time.
What Are the Criteria for Moving to Stage 1?
The Ontario government has set clear criteria for moving to Stage 1 of the province’s reopening plan. These criteria are based on public health indicators and include a decrease in new cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions.
To move to Stage 1, there must be a consistent two-week decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases across the province. Additionally, hospitals must have enough capacity to deal with any potential surges in demand for services caused by reopening.
Public health officials will also monitor outbreaks and transmission rates closely before recommending that we move from one stage of reopening to another. Contact tracing measures must be robust so that any positive cases can be identified quickly, isolated immediately and support provided as necessary.
Businesses must have adequate safety protocols in place before they can reopen their doors under Stage 1 guidelines. This includes mandatory mask-wearing requirements inside enclosed public spaces like stores or shopping malls.
Meeting these criteria is essential for ensuring that our communities remain safe as we gradually transition back into normal life during this pandemic period.
When Does Stage 1 Start in Ontario?
As Ontario continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents are eagerly anticipating the start of Stage 1 in the province’s reopening plan. But when exactly does this stage begin?
According to officials, Stage 1 will officially begin on Friday, June 11th at 12:01 a.m. However, it’s important to note that not all regions in Ontario will enter Stage 1 at the same time.
Regions that meet certain criteria – including declining case numbers and increasing vaccination rates – will be permitted to move forward with Stage 1 earlier than others. As of now, six regions have been permitted to enter into Stage 1 as of June 7th.
Ontarians need to continue following public health guidelines even as restrictions loosen during Stage 1. By doing so, we can help ensure a safe transition toward a post-pandemic future.
Businesses and Activities Allowed in Stage 1?
During Stage 1 of Ontario’s reopening plan, certain businesses and activities are allowed to resume operations with proper safety measures in place. Retail stores that have street-front entrances can open for curbside pickup and delivery only. This means customers cannot enter the store but can order online or by phone and pick up their items at the store entrance.
Garden centres and nurseries are also permitted to reopen with physical distancing measures in place. All other non-essential businesses must remain closed until further notice.
In terms of outdoor recreational activities, people are now allowed to participate in low-contact sports such as tennis, golf, and water sports like kayaking or canoeing. However, team sports that involve close contacts such as soccer or basketball are still prohibited.
Individuals can also access public parks, beaches and trails while maintaining a two-metre distance from others outside of their household. Camping grounds will remain closed during this stage.
It’s important to note that all businesses operating during Stage 1 must follow strict guidelines outlined by public health officials to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.
What Regions of Ontario Are in Stage 1?
As of May 2021, some regions in Ontario are still in Stage 1 of the reopening plan. These regions include Toronto, Peel Region, and North Bay Parry Sound District. Other regions have moved on to Stage 2 or even Stage 3.
The decision on which region is in which stage is based on several factors including COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations and ICU admissions. The government also looks at local public health advice when making these decisions.
It’s important to note that the rules and restrictions may differ slightly between each region depending on their specific situation. For example, certain businesses may be allowed to open with limited capacity while others remain closed altogether.
Residents of Ontario can stay updated on the current status of their region by visiting official government websites or social media pages. It’s always a good idea to double-check any rules or regulations before heading out for an activity or event.
How Long Will Stage 1 Last?
One of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is how long Stage 1 will last in Ontario. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer to this question. The length of time that we’ll be in Stage 1 depends on several different factors.
The government has stated that it will monitor the situation closely and make decisions based on public health advice and data trends. If the numbers continue to improve and businesses can operate safely without causing an increase in cases, then it’s possible that we could move into Stage 2 relatively quickly.
However, if there is a spike in cases or if businesses aren’t following guidelines properly, then we may need to remain in Stage 1 for longer than anticipated. Everyone needs to do their part by practicing physical distancing, wearing masks when necessary, and staying home if they’re feeling unwell.
Ultimately, it’s impossible to predict exactly how long Stage 1 will last. We’ll have to wait and see what happens over the coming weeks before any decisions can be made about moving forward with reopening plans.
What Happens After Stage 1?
After Stage 1 in Ontario’s Reopening Plan, the province will proceed to Stage 2 if certain conditions are met. The government will assess data regarding key public health indicators such as virus spread and the capacity of hospitals to determine whether it is safe to move on to the next stage.
Stage 2 would allow more businesses and services to reopen with modifications in place, including restaurants, hair salons, and shopping malls. Larger gatherings of up to 50 people would be permitted for outdoor activities while indoor gatherings would still be limited.
The decision to move forward with Stage 2 in Ontario will depend on how well Ontarians follow public health measures during the reopening process. Everyone must continue practicing physical distancing, wearing masks when necessary, washing hands frequently and staying home when feeling unwell. After that, if possible there could be the chances for stage 3 in Ontario.
If at any point there is an increase in cases or a surge in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 during this second stage of reopening, restrictions may need to be put back into place until it is safe enough for Ontario residents once again.
Conclusion
Stage 1 of Ontario’s reopening plan marks a significant step towards returning to normalcy after months of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With careful planning and adherence to health guidelines, businesses and activities in certain regions can begin operating again with limited capacity.
However, all Ontarians need to continue practicing physical distancing, wearing masks where necessary, washing hands frequently, and staying home if feeling unwell. By doing so, we can help prevent the spread of the virus and move closer to fully reopening our province.
It is also worth noting that the timeline for moving into subsequent stages will depend on how well we can contain the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep ourselves and others safe.
While there may still be some uncertainty surrounding what lies ahead in terms of further stages in Ontario’s reopening plan, continued cooperation from individuals across the province will go a long way toward successfully navigating this challenging time together.
FAQs on when does stage 1 start in ontario
1. What is Stage 1 opening in Ontario?
The first leg of the road map is on starting more outdoor activities in places with fewer people where the risk of transmission is reduced. Additionally, it will allow for the opening of more restricted indoor settings.
2. What date did Ontario move to Stage 2?
Subject to developments in public health and health system indicators, the province will resume the modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen beginning on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. for at least 21 days (until January 26, 2022).
