Ontario Just Revealed Its Official Reopening Plan & Here's What You Need To Know

On Thursday, the government officially released Ontario's reopening plan, which is expected to take place throughout the summer months.

In a press conference, Doug Ford announced that this new plan will have three steps and will allow outdoor and indoor activities to reopen.

On top of this, the government also revealed that outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses, will reopen on May 22 at 12:01 a.m.

Step One

The first step of the plan is expected to occur around mid-June when 60% of adults have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Under this stage, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people and outdoor dining with four people per table would be allowed and campgrounds could open.

Non-essential retail stores will also be allowed to open at 15% capacity, while essential retail will be allowed to open at 25% and can sell non-essential goods. However, retail stores in malls will remain closed, unless it has a street-facing entrance.

On top of this, Ontario Parks, outdoor pools, outdoor religious services and ceremonies, outdoor zoos and botanical gardens will be allowed to open with capacity limits.

Step Two

The second step will occur when 70% of adults have their first dose and 20% of adults have received two doses.

Under this stage, the province will see outdoor gatherings grow to 25 people and indoor gatherings grow to five people.

Outdoor dining will be expanded to seat six people per table.

On top of this, outdoor sports leagues, outdoor meeting and event spaces, personal care services where masks can be worn, outdoor cinemas and public libraries will also be able to open.

Indoor religious services and ceremonies are allowed to occur at 15% capacity.

Non-essential retail will be able to grow its capacity to 25% and essential retail will be able to open at 50%.

Step Three

The final step will take place when around 80% of adults get their first dose and 25% of adults receive both doses.

Under this step, the province will see casinos, indoor gyms, indoor sports and indoor cinemas reopening.

Indoor museums and art galleries, as well as all personal services, will open their doors. Indoor dining will also be allowed to open.

It will also allow other indoor services to operate at a larger capacity. For example, outdoor gatherings, indoor gatherings, and religious services will be allowed to welcome more people.