All of Ontario except the Porcupine Health Unit region is starting the new phased in approach to reopening today.
Ontario's three-stage Roadmap to Reopening officially starts June 11, with each phase lasting at least 21 days.
In the Timmins area, increasing COVID-19 case numbers, outbreaks and the presence of the more highly transmissible Delta variant have contributed to the extension of enhanced restrictions in the region until at least June 24.
Keeping the restrictions in place is to minimize person-to-person interactions and slow the spread of COVID-19. The need for the continued measures will be assessed weekly, according to the health unit.
The province's roadmap does not include an emergency brake like the previous colour-coded regional plan. Medical officers of health can add to provincial restrictions with power afforded to them under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
In the Porcupine Health Unit region, medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton is extending the restrictions that were in place under the emergency brake.
Here's what that means:
- Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are limited to five people, with physical distancing.
- In-person shopping in most retail settings is not allowed. Curbside pickup and delivery can continue.
- Supermarkets, grocery stores and other stores that primarily sell food, and pharmacies. For in-person shopping, big box stores are only allowed to sell groceries, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, healthcare items, school supplies, household safety supplies and personal care items.
- Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants is closed. Takeout, drive-thru and delivery are allowed.
- Safety supply stores can open. The public is only allowed in by appointment.
- Businesses selling, renting or repairing assistive devices, aids or supplies, mobility devices, aids or supplies or medical devices, aids or supplies can open. The public is only allowed in by appointment.
- Optical stores that sell prescription eyewear to the public can open. Members of the public are only allowed to go in the business by appointment.
- Retail stores for telecommunications providers can open. The public can enter by appointment to buy a cell phone, for repairs or for technical support.
- The LCBO and Beer Store are open.
- Indoor and outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries are open.
- Shopping malls are closed. The public is allowed in to access a business that is permitted to be open.
- Car dealerships or businesses selling recreational vehicles, trailers and travel trailers, boats and other watercraft, or other motorized vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles can open. People are only allowed in by appointment and the business is limited to 25 per cent capacity.
- Farmers' markets can open if products are sold in way that customers are outdoor areas at all time or sold through an alternative method of sale such as curbside delivery or pickup.
- Other non-essential retail businesses must exclusively sell through alternative ways such as curbside pickup or delivery.
- Car rental and leasing services can open with 25 per cent capacity indoors. The public can only enter by appointment.
- Garages for vehicle and equipment repair can open. The public is allowed in by appointment and there's a 25 per cent capacity limit on the total number of people allowed inside at one time.
- Campsites are allowed for people who are in need of housing or are allowed to be there by the terms of a full-season contract. Only campsites with electricity, water and sewage dumping facilities may be provided for use. All recreational facilities at campgrounds such as washrooms and showers are closed. Day use at Ontario Parks is open.
- No in-person services or activities for day camps.
- Construction is restricted. A list of allowable projects is available here.
- Gyms are closed.
- Schools are closed.
- Concert venues, theatres and cinemas are closed. Drive-in or drive-thru format events are not allowed.
- Outdoor tour and guide services are closed.
- Museums are closed.
Enforcement
The rules will be enforced by provincial offence officers and public health officials, according to the notice from Catton. People violating the restrictions may be charged and penalties such as fines, imprisonment and/or closure of premises may be imposed.
The full instructions from Catton are available here.
