Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Announces Stage 2 Regional Reopening
Date: June 9, 2020
On June 8, 2020, the Ontario government announced that most public health unit regions outside of the “Golden Horseshoe” will be moving to Stage 2 effective June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
The government’s online document regarding stage 2 sets out the complete list of regions which can move to Stage 2. We strongly encourage all businesses and service providers to review the online document before reopening because exceptions exist. Some businesses and service providers that can reopen are subject to restrictions which are not summarized in this article.
During stage 2, the following businesses and services may reopen, subject to applicable health and safety and physical distancing measures:
- Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments
- Specified personal care services
- Specified personal services
- Shopping malls, including take-out and outdoor dining at food services in malls (Entertainment amenities in malls remain closed)
- Photography studios and services
- Film and television production activities
- Tour and guide services including hunting and fishing excursions, winery tours, hiking tours, biking tours, and boat tours
- Water recreational facilities including outdoor splash pads and wading pools and all pools such as public pools and pools in hotels, resorts, condominium and other private facilities (Waterparks, wavepools and water slides remain closed)
- Beach access and all types of camping at Ontario Parks campgrounds and private campgrounds
- Outdoor recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports (Locker rooms, change rooms and showers remain closed)
- Drive-in and/or drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural events
- Venues for weddings and funerals, with a limit of ten attendees
- Libraries with limited on-site services such as computer access and contactless book pickup and drop-off.
- Community centres, including indoor pools and indoor programming. (Locker rooms, change rooms, showers and communal kitchen areas remain closed)
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and outdoor heritage institutions (Interactive and high-contact exhibits, amusement parks, water parks and conference centres remain closed)
- Small outdoor events such as cultural celebrations, animal shows and fundraisers.
The government also announced the following loosening of restrictions across Ontario, including in regions which must remain at Stage 1, effective June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.:
- The limit on social gatherings will increase from five to ten people
- All places of worship can reopen with 30% of building capacity and physical distancing measures in place.
The government will be releasing further details about child care, summer camps, post-secondary education, training centres and public transit shortly. We will continue to monitor and report any further developments.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
