Toronto Will Officially Enter Stage 2 Of Reopening This Wednesday
Toronto, it's finally your turn. On Monday, Premier Ford confirmed that Toronto's stage two of reopening will begin this Wednesday, June 24. This means that restaurant patios, hair salons and even malls can resume operations.
In just a couple of days, the city will be able to join the majority of Ontario as the province's new cases of COVID-19 continue to decline.
Peel Region has also been given the go-ahead to enter the second stage this Wednesday.
"As of June the 24th at 12:01 a.m., the city of Toronto and the Peel Region will be allowed to enter stage two," the premier confirmed.
Under stage two, restaurant and bar patios can begin to service customers again. Salons can start operating with new measures in place, and malls can open their doors, according to Ontario's framework.
Tattoo parlours have also been given the green light, as well as markets and shopping centres of all kinds. However, movie theatres and waterparks will remain closed for the time being.
According to the official count, less than 200 new cases per day have been reported in Ontario throughout the entire month of June.
For the past 14 days, the numbers have been even lower in Toronto, with less than 100 new daily cases to report.
Most of the province and GTA have already entered stage two, ahead of Toronto and Peel Region.
Durham Region, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton Region, Hamilton Region, Lambton, Niagara Region and York Region had reopened more of its businesses and facilities to the public on June 19.
As of this Wednesday, Windsor-Essex will be the only region in Ontario to remain in stage one.
"Unfortunately right now, the threat of this virus in Windsor-Essex is still too great," said Ford on Monday.
"While we’re seeing the trends improve in Toronto and Peel, we haven’t yet seen those targets met in Windsor."
Last Friday, Toronto's mayor talked about the city moving in a positive direction. Mayor John Tory was excited to share his hopes for the city's stage two reopening during a media briefing.
"Someone once said that patience was bitter but that the results were sweet, and I feel something sweet coming our way. I will just say that you deserve it," he said.
Ontario may be getting back to normal, but many of our favourite summertime attractions remain closed and cancelled.
"Interactive and high-contact exhibits," including amusement parks like Canada's Wonderland, have not been given permission to reopen.
Canada Day festivities across the country, music festivals and Toronto's famous CNE will not be happening this year. However, beaches and public pools will be open this year to help us stay cool.