Parts Of The GTA Are Finally Moving Into Stage 2 But Still Not Toronto (VIDEO)

Doug Ford dropped some great news for Ontarians today on June 15. The Premier announced on Monday that several more areas of the province can move into "stage two" of Ontario's reopening. While the city of Toronto still has to wait a little while longer, other areas of the GTA can begin opening up again.

Ford was talking to reporters in the Ontario staff's daily media briefing on Monday.

Speaking to Durham Radio News on Monday morning, the premier had already teased some "great news" for people in the Durham and Hamilton area.

And later that day, he confirmed that several areas close to Toronto can now move into stage two.

In fact, all area aside from the 6ix itself, Peel Region, and Windsor-Essex have now been deemed ready.

Ford told reporters that from Friday, Durham Region, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton Region, Hamilton Region, Lambton, Niagara Region and York Region can reopen more businesses and facilities to the public.

That news comes one week after Ford announced on June 8 that most of the province was ready to reach the next stage of recovery.

That initial announcement had omitted areas like Halton and Hamilton, but those have been given the green light to move forward.

Ford had noted at the time that staff would be providing an update at the start of each week on which areas are ready to take the next steps.

A release on the Ontario government website details more information about what can reopen in these regions.

Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex have been omitted and are still waiting for improved health results before moving forward.

Per CBC, Toronto and Peel have more than half of Ontario's latest wave of new infections.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Christine Elliott noted Windsor has been excluded as there are still health concerns in the border city that need addressing.

Ford called for patience from residents but stressed he hopes to be able to give those areas more good news soon.

However, staff stopped short of speculating on a date when Toronto might be ready.

Last week, Ford received public pushback from the mayors of Haldimand and Norfolk counties, who got haircuts to protest their local businesses not being able to reopen.

Just 181 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Ontario in Monday's update.