Most businesses can be open as Stage 3 starts on Friday

Nearly all businesses and public spaces in Hastings and Prince Edward counties will be allowed to reopen Friday, July 17 in Stage 3 of the province’s reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement during his daily briefing Monday, noting 24 of 27 public health regions will be allowed to reopen with safety plans in place. Greater Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor-Essex, Niagara, Haldimand-Norfolk and Lambton County remain in Stage 2.

Gathering limits are increased to 50 people indoors and a maximum of 100 people outdoors. Indoor gatherings for religious services, rites, ceremonies and funerals remain at allowing 30 per cent capacity.

Businesses allowed to open in Stage 3 include: dine-in restaurants, bars, gyms and fitness centres, most personal care services, live shows, performing arts and movie theatres, team sports/live sporting events (no deliberate or prolonged contact), casinos (no table games), recreational facilities and activities and tour and guide services. Real Estate agents can hold open houses.

People still cannot visit an amusement or water park; oxygen bar, sauna, buffet restaurant, dance at a nightclub or bar or send children to overnight camp.

Premier Ford said Stage 3 re-openings are”a testament to the hard work of business owners, individuals and families right across the province. So many have stepped up and played by the rules, demonstrating that we can restart our economy safely and responsibly.”

“Having seen a decline in the number of new COVID-19 cases as the province safely re-started over 90 per cent of economic activity with Stage 2, we now have the confidence to move certain regions into Stage 3, including expanding the size of gatherings indoors and outdoors,” said Minister Christine Elliott.

Beginning on July 27, 2020, child care centres will also be permitted to operate with cohorts of 15 children, which is an increase from the current 10.

For more information on Stage 3, visit Ontario.ca/reopen.