Local MPP Lisa Thompson applauded the efforts made by residents and essential workers in Huron-Bruce as the region moves into Stage 2 in the province’s reopening plan.
“The statistics show that following the directions and guidelines of health officials, we can flatten the curve and move forward together,” said Thompson in a June 8 media release.
“I know COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone,” Thompson said, “but we are doing this right and we are doing it safely.”
The Ontario government announced their regional approach to Stage 2 June 8. In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local health officials, the government is easing restrictions and basing those decisions on trends of key public health indicators such as lower rates of transmission, increased capacity in hospitals, and progress made in testing.
As of Friday, June 12, the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people across the province, regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2. Additionally, all places of worship in Ontario will also be permitted to open with physical distancing in place and attendance limited to no more than 30 per cent of the building capacity to ensure the safety of those in attendance.
In Huron-Bruce and other regions entering Stage 2, some businesses and services will be permitted to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place, including:
• Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties
• Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons
• Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only;
• Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries
• Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools
• Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks
• Camping at private campgrounds
• Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing
• Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations
• Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing; and
• Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people
More details are expected from the province on services such as child care, summer camps, post-secondary education pilots, training centres and public transit.
"Everyone, regardless of where they live in the province, must continue to follow public health advice, including to practise physical distancing, wear a face covering if physical distancing is a challenge, wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth," read the release. "The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health restrictions can be gradually loosened or if they need to be tightened."
