Local MPP Lisa Thompson is applauding the efforts made by all residents and essential workers in the region as Huron-Bruce moves into Stage 2 in the province’s reopening plan.
“The statistics show that following the directions and guidelines of health officials, we can flatten the curve and move forward together,” Thompson said. “I am truly appreciative for the dedication of our frontline healthcare workers and I am sincerely impressed with how Huron-Bruce has handled this pandemic.”
“I know Covid-19 has been a challenge for everyone,” Thompson said, “but we are doing this right and we are doing it safely.”
On Monday, the Ontario government announced that it is getting more people back to
work and more recreational activities will be open by moving forward with a regional approach to Stage 2. In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local health officials, the government is easing restrictions in communities where it is safe to do so, based on trends of key public health indicators such as lower rates of transmission, increased capacity in hospitals, and progress made in testing.
Effective Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people across the province, regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2. Additionally, all places of worship in Ontario will also be permitted to open with physical distancing in place and attendance limited to no more than 30 per cent of the building capacity to ensure the safety of worshippers.
Thompson added, “We now have an opportunity to demonstrate to our main streets and businesses throughout the riding that they have and always will matter! Once we are able – I encourage everyone to go and support your local businesses in your community!
Businesses and services permitted to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place in regions entering Stage 2 include:
· Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties;
· Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons;
· Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only;
· Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries;
· Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools;
· Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks;
· Camping at private campgrounds;
· Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing;
· Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations;
· Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing; and
· Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people.
As more people return to work, the services they rely on will need to be available regardless of the stage a region is in. The province will soon release more details on:
· Child care;
· Summer camps;
· Post-secondary education pilots to help people graduate;
· Training centres; and
· Public transit.
At the beginning of each week, the government will provide an update on the ongoing assessment of these regions, and whether they are ready to move into Stage 2 at the end of the week.
Everyone, regardless of where they live in the province, must continue to follow public health advice, including to practise physical distancing, wear a face covering if physical distancing is a challenge, wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health restrictions can be gradually loosened or if they need to be tightened.
The government, in partnership with health and safety associations, has released more than 100 health and safety guidance documents at Ontario.ca/COVIDsafety to help employers in multiple sectors ― including retail, restaurant and food services and child care ― keep spaces safe for workers and customers. As they prepare to reopen, employers are strongly advised to review these guidance documents and implement appropriate measures to help protect their workers and customers.