Ford Just Announced That Ontario Is Officially Moving Into Step One This Friday

It's time to start making some weekend plans! Doug Ford has just announced that Ontario will officially move into step one of the reopening plan this Friday.

According to a press release, starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 11, non-essential retail, outdoor dining, outdoor fitness classes and more will be able to open their doors.

On top of this, outdoor social gatherings will increase to 10 people. Outdoor religious services, including weddings, will also be able to continue.

"Thanks to the ongoing success of Team Ontario's vaccine rollout and the ongoing improvements in public health trends, we are able to enter step one of the Roadmap and begin to safely and cautiously lift restrictions," said Premier Doug Ford. "The only reason we're able to do so is because of the enormous sacrifices made by individuals, families and communities across Ontario."

The province will remain in step one for at least 21 days before deciding if Ontario will move into step two.

Ontario is aiming for a two-dose summer

Doug Ford announced at the end of May that Ontarians are now able to get vaccinated way earlier than planned.

Now, the province is aiming for every eligible Ontarian to get fully vaccinated by the end of the summer. Due to this, residents are now seeing Ontario reopen earlier than planned.

According to the government, in order to enter step one of the reopening plan, 60% of Ontarian adults needed to have their first dose. As of June 6, the province has surpassed that, seeing 72% of those 18 and over with their first dose.

"While this is exciting news, as we move to enter Step One of Ontario's Roadmap it remains critical that all Ontarians continue to follow public health advice and roll up their sleeves to receive the vaccine," stated said Christine Elliott, minister of health.