Ontario Reopening? Phasing Back in the COVID-19 Framework

Yesterday (08/02/2020) Doug Ford announced that for most of Ontario the stay at home order will be extended, the exceptions being Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Health Unit, and Renfrew County Health Unit. These units will reopen February 10 and transition from lockdown to green (or prevent). However, the order will remain in place until February 16 for most of Ontario except for Peel Public Health, Toronto Public Health and York Region Public Health which will remain in lockdown until at least February 22. For Halton Region Health Department this means businesses will begin to re-open on February 16. Where, within the framework, is uncertain. You may recall the 5 zones of the framework are: Green-prevent, Yellow-protect, Orange-restrict, Red-control, and grey-lockdown. Some restrictions will still be in place which will limit sizes of indoor and outdoor gatherings and the capacity of stores and health officials warn that future dates are amendable and subject to review based on the health indicators. On its page “COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open”, Ontario.ca issues this general advice: •stay home as much as possible •avoid social gatherings •limit close contacts to your household •work from home if possible, and allow your employees to work from home if they can •avoid travel except for essential reasons Follow public health advice: •stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild •wash your hands thoroughly and regularly •cover your cough •download the COVID Alert mobile app •get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19covid 19, or if you’ve been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app For more information on re-opening Ontario and the return to the COVID-19 response framework go to Ontario.ca.