Premier Doug Ford has announced a gradual, three-stage roadmap to reopening the province.
The roadmap includes criteria that must be met at each stage before moving onto the next one. However, no dates have been included.
"It's not a calendar, it's a roadmap. So we're going to continue working hard. I just encourage everyone please continue following the protocols. We've come so far with this fight we don't want to give up now. We want to continue moving forward. The quicker we see the numbers come down, the quicker we can get things back to normal," said Ford.
At each stage, public health officials will be looking for a consistent decrease in new daily cases, and a decrease in the number of hospitalizations.
The province also wants public health officials to be able to reach 90 per cent of all new COVID-19 contacts within one day in order to contain any future spread of the virus.
In Stage 1 of the roadmap, some businesses will be allowed to open if they can immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health guidance.
"There are no specific businesses going to be outlined today. This will be done on an as-required basis and taking our guidance on daily basis from our health officials," said Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli.
More outdoor spaces will also be allowed to open and a greater number of individuals will be able to attend some events like funerals.
Provided by the Ontario Government
Each stage is expected to last two to four weeks to evaluate how the lifted measures are affecting the spread of the virus. After a two week period, the situation will be re-evaluated to determine if it is necessary to change the course to maintain public health.
In Stage 2, more businesses would be reopened based on risk assessment. These businesses may include service industries, offices, and retail spaces. More outdoor spaces will also open during this stage.
In Stage 3, all workplaces will be open. However, large public gatherings, concerts, and sporting events will continue to be restricted.
As each stage progresses and more businesses are allowed to reopen, the government says it will provide guidelines to employers on how to open safely and protect their employees and customers.
"This guidance will come as soon as it's available so that employers can start to make the plans they need to make so they can prepare to reopen," said Minister of Finance Rod Phillips. "We need to create an environment in Ontario where people can feel comfortable and safe in many environments where customers are part of the workplace."
Last week, the province announced schools would be closed until at least May 31.
