What moving to Step 2 means for Simcoe Muskoka residents and businesses
Hair salons, barbershops and shopping malls across Simcoe Muskoka will be able to welcome back customers ahead of schedule as Ontario moves into Step 2 days earlier than expected.
The provincial three-step Roadmap to Reopening had Step 2 set for July 2, but on Thursday, the Ontario government confirmed the move would happen two days early.
"Because of the tireless work of our health care heroes, and the record-setting success of our vaccine rollout, we are able to move into Step 2 ahead of schedule on June 30 with the support of our public health experts," Premier Doug Ford said in a news release issued Thursday.
By mid-week, Ontario surpassed COVID-19 vaccination targets set for the next phase, which required 70 per cent of adults to have at least one shot and 20 per cent to be fully immunized.
During a COVID-19 regional update on Tuesday, Simcoe Muskoka's medical officer of health said he stands by the province's reopening plan, which sets 21 days between each step.
"The province's roadmap is very important," Dr. Charles Gardner said. "I advocate sticking to the contents of the roadmap, the timeline of the roadmap."
"Right now, we're in the first step of the roadmap, which really limits us in terms of gatherings and also prohibits us from having indoor gatherings in our private homes. It's very important that we continue with all of that," Gardner added.
Since Ontario introduced its three-step reopening plan, hairdressers across the region have pushed the government to allow them to reopen.
In-person salon services have been off-limits for much of the past year because of COVID-19 restrictions and on-again-off-again lockdowns.
In Step 2, personal care services are permitted, including tattooing and piercings, as long as face masks can be worn at all times.
Additionally, outdoor gatherings jump to 25 people, and indoor gatherings are permitted, with a five-person limit.
Capacity limits on retailers jump to 25 per cent for non-essential and 50 per cent for essential.
Here is a list of other restrictions that will ease:
- indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies at 25 per cent capacity of the room
- outdoor dining up to six per table
- outdoor sports and leagues
- outdoor meeting and event spaces with capacity limits
- outdoor cinemas and performing arts with capacity limits
- horse racing and motor speedways for spectators with capacity limits
- outdoor tour and guide services with capacity limits
- public libraries with capacity limits
- outdoor waterparks and amusement parks with capacity limits
- overnight camps
- fairs and rural exhibitions with capacity limits
Based on the initial reopening plan, the province should expect to enter Step 3, which will see the removal of most COVID-19 restrictions, 21 days after moving to Step 2.
With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Toronto
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.