Doug Ford Says We're Going To Have To "Hold Off" On Hair Salons Opening For A While

If you're in need of a haircut, it looks like you are going to have to wait a little longer. In a press conference on Thursday, Doug Ford announced that it is still unclear when Ontario hair salons will reopen. However, the premier does state that salons should be prepared to "hold off" for a while. 

When asked about the reopening of barbers and salons during the press conference, Ford said that "it will depend on the numbers. I can't give you a specific stage. It'll be stage two or stage three."

"We're gonna have to hold off on that for a little while."

However, the premier does state that he understands what everyone is going through with salons being closed for the past few months. He continued on to say that he is also in need of a haircut, and hears complaints from his family about salons "all the time." "Look at my hair, I look like a sheepdog right now, I think dog groomer, I should go there and get a little clip myself.""Everyone wants to go get their hair done. I live with five girls... I hear it all the time, but we have to make sure safety comes first."

"Especially in those close quarters when you have a hairdresser or barber right over top of you cutting your hair," Ford concluded. 

While the opening of your favourite hair salon is still nowhere in sight, Ford also brought some good news to the province on Thursday.

Ontario will officially begin stage one of its reopening plan.  

This weekend, Ontario's campgrounds, marinas and golf courses will be among the first to be allowed to operate. 

More retail stores have also been allowed to open their doors, but new restrictions are being put in place that will take some getting used to.

However, the premier warns that businesses should only reopen if they feel ready. 

"Businesses should open only if they are ready and we need to keep in mind that all of this is based on the numbers," Ford said.

Currently, the state of emergency in Ontario is still in place until June 2 as the province continues to work towards flattening the curve. 

In the meantime, marinas, golf courses, campgrounds and other outdoor recreational facilities have been given the go-ahead to reopen this weekend.

Retail services with street-facing storefronts can also open up next week. They will need to maintain distancing by "limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time and booking appointments beforehand or on the spot."

The provincial government outlined the details in a press release issued on Thursday. It states that the province is taking a gradual, three-phase approach "that will allow Ontario to emerge from this outbreak with a clear path to economic recovery that keeps people safe and healthy."

However, while various places resume business, the premier is reminding Ontarians that social gatherings with friends and family remain off-limits.