As parents across the province start to return to work, many will now have a place to bring their children.
Starting on Friday, all childcare centres in Ontario will be allowed to reopen with strict health and safety requirements.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon alongside Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Health Minister Christine Elliot.
There will be several limitations and procedures in place when childcare centres reopen.
Childcare operators will be required to put children and staff in groups of 10 or less. All child care settings will be required to have a plan in place if a child, parent, or staff member is exposed to COVID-19. All staff members and children must be screened before entering any facility and child care settings must keep daily records of all attendees in order to support contact tracing. Facilities are also required to be thoroughly cleaned before opening and frequently cleaned throughout the day, including the removal of any toys that could easily spread germs.
In addition, only essential visitors will be permitted into any child care settings.
According to Lecce, the plan was developed in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health as well as medical leaders at The Hospital for Sick Children.
"We know the integral role child care plays in the restart of Ontario's economy, especially when it comes to enabling parents to return to work," said Lecce. "But parents must have confidence in the child care system at this very difficult time. By imposing specific public health requirements, we are signalling our firm commitment to keeping our children, staff, and our families safe."
Effectively immediately, staff can re-enter child care facilities and begin preparation for reopening. Operators will be allowed to reopen once all necessary health and safety guidelines are met.
On Monday, the provincial government announced Stage 2 of reopening the economy, which includes the reopening of shopping malls, hair salons and outdoor dine-in service at restaurants. For older children, summer day camps will also be able to reopen as part of Stage 2. At this time, overnight camps are not permitted to operate in the summer of 2020.
According to Ford, his government will continue to plan for the next phase of childcare reopenings over the coming weeks as well as the plan for the reopening of schools in the province.