Those hoping for firm dates to reopen the Ontario economy are out of luck.
Instead, the province has unveiled a COVID-19 roadmap to get us back on the road to recovery.
Finance Minister Rod Phillips says the government is planning a stage-by-stage approach to ensure there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely.
Phillips adds public health officials will be “assessing progress for two to four week periods before going further. In each stage there will a natural progression in how workplaces, services and public spaces can operate.”
He notes we have not yet reached stage number one.
Here are the three stages:
Stage #1: For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately modify operations to meet public health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and and allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services.
Stage #2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces. Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and more outdoor spaces would open.
Stage #3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings.
Phillips adds the government says it will be consulting key health and business officials in different regions.
Premier Doug Ford says he wants the economy to get going but he doesn’t want to put people in danger of COVID-19.
“The steps we are taking are working. But progress doesn’t mean we can quit now. And that’s why I won’t set hard dates until we are ready because the virus travels at its own speed.”
Ford adds “We must ensure our plans for reopening the economy reflect Ontario’s unique situation. They must be responsible. They must be measured. They must be guided by our Chief Medical Officer of Health, our Command Table and our health experts.”
Ford notes we have hit the peak of the coronavirus but it’s not known how long we will remain there.
He says the Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will provide advice to the government about easing public health measures using a range of set criteria, including:
-A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases.
-Sufficient acute and critical care capacity, including access to ventilators and ongoing availability of personal protective equipment.
-Approximately 90% of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by local health officials within one day, with guidance and direction to contain community spread.
-Ongoing testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, especially of vulnerable populations, to detect new outbreaks quickly.
