When the province started talking about moving regions into stage two of reopening their economies, Ontario residents were promised haircuts and maybe a drink on a restaurant patio.
However, as talks about stage three take place at the provincial level, BlackburnNews.com asked Premier Doug Ford what residents can expect as the pandemic turns another corner, and the economy opens up further.
He explained the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee first consults with stakeholders like businesses. It puts together a list of recommendations for a table of public health officials who have the final say.
"We have some of the best medical minds in the country sitting at that table, and they come up with a consensus," explained Ford. "We give them our input about why should we not have people going into restaurants in the next few weeks -- and can they be spread out."
Another change moving to stage three would bring, allowing social gatherings of up to 50 people. At stage two, the limit is ten.
You will be allowed to go back to work if you have not already. In stage two, workplaces were allowed to reopen on a limited basis. In stage three, they will be allowed to call back all their workers so long as health and safety protocols are followed.
Even in the third stage, it is unlikely concerts, and sporting events will be allowed, and Ontarians will still be encouraged to wear a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and wash their hands frequently.
Of course, moving to stage three all depends on the number of daily COVID-19 cases. On Friday, the province recorded 165 new cases, a slight uptick from the rest of the week. There were 157 cases on Tuesday, on Wednesday 149, and 153 on Thursday.
Health Minister Christine Elliott confirmed earlier in the week there are discussions taking place about moving some jurisdictions to stage three soon, but said she wanted at least another week's data before making a decision.
