It's the day most Ontarians have waited for since April 8, 2021. Tomorrow marks the official end of the mandated stay-at-home order, and residents can feel some glimpse of hope for a somewhat normal summer.
The Ontario government announced on May 20th, 2021 their plan to safely reopen the province, and phase 1 of that plan officially begins in the week of June 14, 2021.
So, what happens between the stay-at-home order ending tomorrow and phase 1 beginning?
“On the good side we can look forward to fewer restrictions and certainly within a couple of weeks we’ll see a significant increase in some of our retail activities and various other things,” says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford.
“The stay-at-home order lifts, and then we start our road map if you will to our reopening phase.”
According to the government, the province-wide “emergency brake” measures first introduced will still remain in place during this gap.
Below is a list of the do’s and don't s Ontario residents can expect during this gap.
Leaving Home
On June 2, residents will be able now to leave their homes for non-essential reasons. This will be the first time since the stay-at-home order came into effect on April 8.
Social Gatherings
Residents can continue to have outdoor gatherings with family and friends as long as they don't exceed a maximum of 5 people.
Outdoor gatherings exceeding 5 people are permitted, as long as the members are from the same household. Those who live alone are free to gather with one other household.
Indoor gatherings remain prohibited.
In-person shopping
Supermarkets, grocery and convenience store capacity limits of 25 percent remain unchanged. Non-essential retail remains restricted.
Personal care services
Those needing a long-awaited haircut or a day at the spa are still going to have to wait. Personal care services are still closed until Step 2 of the provinces reopening plan. Proper face-covering practices and capacity limits will be in place at establishments offering personal care services at that time.
Indoor and outdoor dining
The comfort of a nice and refreshing meal either indoor or outdoor is still restricted until at least June 14. Though residents can still receive take-out, drive-through and delivery food orders only.
Sports and recreation facilities
Indoor and outdoor facilities are still closed, with the exception of high-performance athletes, child care, mental health and addiction support services, social services and physical therapy.
Outdoor fitness classes, personal training and sports training of up to 10 people can resume in Step 1.
Weddings and funerals
Weddings, funerals and other religious services can still resume as long as a maximum of 10 people is not exceeded. Proper physical distancing practices must be maintained and guests must wear face coverings when two metres can’t be maintained.
This extension includes the prohibited use of recreational camping on public lands, the Manitoba/Ontario border remains closed to non-essential travellers, and interprovincial travel is also restricted.