Are you eagerly waiting for Ontario’s next phase? The pandemic has significantly impacted our daily lives, and we all want to return to normalcy as soon as possible. With the vaccination drive in full swing, everyone is curious about when Stage 2 will begin in Ontario. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the next phase and what it means for Ontarians.
What is Stage 2 in Ontario?
In Ontario, Stage 2 is reopening some businesses and public spaces closed in Stage 1 of COVID-19. This includes:
- Restaurants and bars (outdoor dining only)
- Retail stores (limited capacity)
- Personal care services (e.g. hair salons, nail salons, etc.)
- Museums, galleries, zoos, and outdoor historical sites
- Libraries
- Funeral homes (limited capacity)
The province will enter Stage 2 when the government is confident that COVID-19 has gradually improved enough to reopen these businesses and public spaces. The decision to enter Stage 2 will be based on several factors, including:
- The number of new COVID-19 cases
- The rate of transmission
- The availability of hospital beds
- The ability to test and trace cases
- Public health measures in place
When is Stage 2 in Ontario?
The next phase of Ontario’s reopening plan will begin on June 30. This will allow for additional businesses and services to reopen across the province while continuing to protect the health and safety of Ontarians.
Some of the businesses and services that will be allowed to reopen include:
- Restaurants (outdoor dining only)
- Bars
- Movie theatres
- Concert venues
- Water parks
- Tourist attractions
- Libraries
- Childcare centres
- Personal services (hair salons, barbershops, spas)
- Outdoor recreation (playgrounds, outdoor sports and recreational activities)
These businesses and services may have restrictions in place to ensure physical distancing. More information about Ontario’s reopening plan can be found on the Ontario website.
What Are the Restrictions of Stage 2 in Ontario?
Stage 2 of Ontario’s reopening plan will reopen some additional businesses and public spaces with restrictions in place. Here are some of the restrictions that will be in place during Stage 2:
- Gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, both indoors and outdoors
- Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted, with up to four people per table
- Personal care services such as hair salons and tattoo parlours will be allowed to reopen, with strict safety protocols in place
- Retail stores will be allowed to open at 50% capacity
- Gyms and fitness studios will be allowed to open, but only for individual or small group training (no more than ten people)
- Libraries will be allowed to reopen for borrowing and returning materials
These are just some of the restrictions that will be in place during Stage 2. For a full list of restrictions, please visit the Ontario government website.
New Guidelines & Protocols for Businesses
The province releases new business guidelines and protocols as we move into the next phase of Ontario’s COVID-19 response. These changes are based on the advice of public health experts and will help keep people safe as more businesses reopen.
All businesses must have a plan in place to protect employees and customers from COVID-19. This includes having a designated person responsible for safety, maintaining physical distancing, providing hand hygiene supplies, and cleaning and disinfecting regularly. Businesses must also post their safety plan so customers can see it.
The province is also introducing a new “Good To Go” campaign to help businesses show that they are following all the necessary safety protocols. Businesses that participate in the campaign will receive a window decal to display at their storefront.
These changes will help ensure that businesses take the necessary steps to protect their employees and customers as we reopen our economy.
What Activities Are Allowed Under Stage 2?
In Stage 2, the following activities are allowed:
- Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments may open indoors with up to 50% capacity and outdoors with up to 100 people. Tables need to be separated by at least two metres
- Personal care services such as hair salons and tattoo parlours may reopen
- Retail stores may open at up to 50% capacity
- Libraries, museums, movie theatres and live performing arts venues may open at up to 50% capacity or 100 people indoors, whichever is lower. In addition, outdoor spaces at these locations can open with up to 200 people
- Amusement parks and water parks may open outdoors only
- Tour and guide services may resume indoors and outdoors
- Team sports practices and training sessions may resume, but no games or scrimmages are allowed yet
- Wedding ceremonies and receptions are allowed with up to 50 guests indoors or 100 guests outdoors
- Funerals are allowed with up to 30 guests indoors or 50 guests outdoors.
How Will Public Health Measures Be Enforced Under Stage 2?
As Ontario moves into Stage 2 of its reopening plan, enforcement of public health measures will continue to be a priority. The province has put in place a number of mechanisms to ensure that people are following the rules, including:
- Increasing inspections and patrols by public health officials
- Providing more resources to police and bylaw officers to help them enforce public health measures
- Working with businesses to ensure they are following the rules
- Issuing fines for those who violate the rules
- Shutting down businesses that repeatedly flout the rules
These enforcement measures will help ensure that everyone is doing their part to keep themselves and others safe as we begin to reopen our province.
Conclusion
Ontario is entering Stage 2 of its reopening plan, which will allow small businesses and services to open in communities across the province. This next phase of reopening is a critical step forward as we continue to adapt and adjust our way of life in response to COVID-19.
While it is important that Ontarians continue practising physical distancing, wear masks when appropriate, and stay home if they feel unwell, this new stage allows for more activities while keeping public safety at the forefront. With careful adherence to guidelines from health authorities and government officials alike, we can all work together towards an even stronger future for Ontario.
FAQ – When is Stage 2 in Ontario?
What does Stage 2 mean for Ontario?
As of June 14, 2020, Ontario is in Stage 2 of reopening. This means that some businesses and public spaces can reopen with strict safety guidelines in place. Businesses that are allowed to reopen which include:
- Restaurants, bars and cafes (outdoor dining only)
- Malls (limited capacity)
- Childcare centres
- Outdoor recreational amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts and BMX parks
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Tourist attractions such as zoos, museums and galleries
Some public spaces, such as playgrounds and picnic areas, are also allowed to reopen. However, it is important to continue following physical distancing guidelines even in these spaces.
What is closed in Stage 2 Ontario?
In Stage 2, the following businesses and public spaces are required to close:
- Bars and nightclubs
- Dine-in service at restaurants, cafes, and other food and drink establishments
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Concert venues, theatres, cinemas, and other performing arts venues
- Casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
- Tour and guide services
- Real estate open houses
What is the COVID lockdown benefit Ontario?
The lockdown benefit in Ontario is that it allows people to stay at home and not go out in public places. This means they can avoid contact with others, reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID virus. The lockdown also gives people time to prepare for the next phase of their lives, whether that means getting a job, going back to school, or simply spending time with family and friends.
When did COVID strike in Canada?
COVID-19 first struck Canada in early 2020. The first case was reported on January 22, 2020, in a person who had recently returned from Wuhan, China. The virus then spread rapidly throughout the country, with cases reported in all provinces and territories within weeks. As of June 2020, there have been over 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, with the majority concentrated in the province of Ontario.
Who is eligible for the new CERB?
The new CERB will be available to residents of Ontario who are currently unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes individuals who have lost their job, are working reduced hours, are sick or quarantined, are caring for someone who is ill, are homeschooling children, or are unable to work due to child-care closures.
