TORONTO — Ontario is entering the second stage of its re-opening plan on June 30, allowing most personal-care services to re-open and permitting larger outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people and smaller indoor gatherings of up to five people.
Additionally, restaurants and bars can start accommodating tables of six on their patios. Previously, they were only permitted to seat up to four people at a time with an exception for members of the same household. Indoor dining will not be permitted until stage three.
Originally, the province planned to enter stage two of re-opening on July 2, however, the decision to accelerate the beginning of this stage comes as Ontario continues to exceed its vaccination targets. Currently, more than 76 per cent of the adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 29 per cent have been fully vaccinated.
“Due to a continued improvement in key indicators, Ontario is ready to enter step two of our roadmap, allowing us to safely and gradually ease public-health measures while continuing to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott in a press release. “Thank you to the Ontarians who rolled up their sleeves to help us reach this exciting milestone. Every dose administered is one step closer to the things we’ve missed, so please sign up to receive the vaccine when it’s your turn.”
