The president and CEO at the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce is breathing a sigh of relief as the region moves to Phase 3 of the provincial reopening of the economy.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday afternoon that most businesses will be able to reopen starting this Friday at 12:01 a.m., including indoor dining at restaurants, as well as bars, casinos, gyms, movie theatres, performance venues, and more personal services. The premier said public gatherings will also be increased to a maximum of 100 outdoors and 50 indoors but social circles will stay at a maximum of 10 people. However, Ford added no dancing or karaoke will be allowed at bars or restaurants just yet. Child care limits are also being increased from 10 to 15 children as of July 27.
Chamber President and CEO Gail Hundt said it's a big day for the local economy and the hungry businesses themselves.
"I am ecstatic, I'm thrilled for our business community, our community at large and it is like a new dawn," said Hundt. "This is probably the greatest day that has happened to them in at least four months. It's just a sigh of relief."
Hundt said the child care increase is also important to the local economy because it allows more parents back into the workforce.
"I know many employers are working with their employees to ease them back into work, be very flexible in the way that they can work them back into the in-house workforce," Hundt said.
Windsor-Essex and Lambton County will remain in Phase 2 because they opened later and the premier said they need more time.
CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said he is working on a Phase 3 plan but there are no details yet. They should be coming soon, Colby said.
CK Public Health is reminding the public that it's still important to continue to practice health measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Two new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Chatham-Kent on Monday afternoon to bring the number to 10 active cases.