Ontario Could Start Step One Of Reopening As Early As This Friday
Health Minister Christine Elliott says it'll be discussed in today's cabinet meeting.
It looks like there's a chance that Ontario's step one of reopening could begin sooner than planned.
Minister of Health Christine Elliot told CTV News that discussions are underway to determine if step one could begin on Friday, June 11, three days sooner than the original start date.
"We're still looking at the numbers, and the numbers are looking quite favourable but there are still other factors that we have to take into consideration," said Elliott, adding that the decision will be reviewed in Monday's cabinet meeting.
This comes as Ontario reports just 525 cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the lowest since late September. It is the eighth day in a row that Ontario has recorded less than 1,000 new infections, according to provincial data.
Step one will allow outdoor gatherings and outdoor fitness classes of up to 10 people, as well as outdoor dining for up to four people per table. Overnight accommodations at Ontario Parks and short-term rentals will also be permitted, and non-essential retail can reopen at 15% capacity.
Last week, Premier Ford said he was hopeful that Ontario's reopening timeline could be accelerated so that step two could begin as early as July 1.