Ontario is set to announce it will lift restrictions on construction work and will loosen restrictions on retail shops outside of malls as part of its COVID-19 reopening plan, CBC News has learned. But the exact date when the restrictions will be lifted is not known.
Ontario is set to announce it will lift restrictions on construction work and will loosen restrictions on most retail shops as part of its COVID-19 reopening plan, CBC News has learned.
A draft news release obtained by CBC News shows Premier Doug Ford is ready to announce on Thursday plans to allow the reopening of retail stores that are not in malls, as well as seasonal businesses, pet services, household cleaning and maintenance, and in-person health and counselling services.
The release also announces “lifting essential workplace limits on construction” and allowing picnics in parks.
But the draft does not indicate when these restrictions will be lifted. In fact, the version obtained by CBC reads: “Ontario will begin Stage 1 of reopening on [insert date].”
Ontarians who want to hold social gatherings larger than the current limit of five people will have to wait a little longer. The release says the government “will provide updates on easing restrictions on social cohorting in the coming days.” It also says information on school programs, child care and summer learning will be p