Ontario enters Step 2 of reopening on June 30
Let the good times roll! The Province of Ontario will move into Step Two of its reopening plan on June 30.
"We are proceeding safely with the re-opening of our province and will continue to work around the clock until the job is done,'' Premier Doug Ford said in a release.
The opening comes two days before initially planned, with the officials citing high vaccination rates and lower COVID-19 infection numbers.
"Thank you to the Ontarians who rolled up their sleeves to help us reach this exciting milestone,'' said Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott. "Every dose administered brings us one step closer to the things we've missed, so please sign up to receive the vaccine when it's your turn.''
Beginning June 30:
- Essential retail, including convenience stores, will increase from 25 to 50% occupancy allowed. Non-essential retail occupancy increases from 15 to 25 %.
- Outdoor social gatherings and public events of up to 25 people are allowed.
- Indoor gatherings or events of up to five people can take place.
- Outdoor dining can increase to six people per table. If people are from one household,, they can exceed the six-person limit.
- Outdoor concerts, theatres and movies can operate at 25 per cent the normal capacity.
The province is to remain in Step Two for 21 days, therefore the earliest Ontario could go into Step Three is July 20.
What all of this means that people will be on the move, out and about, looking for drinks, treats, snacks and on-the-go meal options to fuel social gatherings and outdoor fun.
