More Ontario businesses are reopening in time for the Victoria Day weekend.
Premier Doug Ford hinted earlier this week that "good news" would be coming regarding the reopening of the province's economy, which had come to a near standstill in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic. That good news was confirmed Thursday afternoon.
In his daily press briefing at Queens Park, Ford confirmed that some businesses will reopen starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. These businesses include campgrounds, private parks, marinas, boat clubs, golf courses, and some animal-related businesses such as kennels and stables. People with recreational vehicles and trailers that have paid for full-season contracts will be allowed access.
Strict physical distancing measures will have to be in place. Ford said this partial reopening is proof that the efforts made by everyone in Ontario to slow the spread of the virus have worked.
"We had to make great personal sacrifices, and we did," said Ford.
The premier also announced that on Tuesday morning, the Stage One portion of the reopening will take place. This will include retail stores with street entrances for walk-in traffic, outdoor sports fields, tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, pet grooming, household services, and medical service businesses. The limits on construction projects will also be lifted on Tuesday.
Finance Minister Rod Phillips reminded Ontarians that these reopenings are conditional with current trends that show new cases of COVID-19 are declining.
"We are taking a cautious, practical and reasonable approach to restarting the economy, while maintaining the health and safety of the people of Ontario as our top priority," said Phillips. "This will allow Ontario to emerge from this outbreak with a clear path to economic recovery that keeps people safe and healthy."
Ford reiterated that physical distancing must take place and businesses must be ready to demonstrate that they can operate safely.
"Businesses should open only if they're ready, and I repeat, only if they're ready," said Ford.