As more regions advance to Stage 3 of reopening the economy, Windsor-Essex remains in Stage 2.
On Monday, the province announced seven more regions, including Sarnia-Lambton, will enter Stage 3 on Friday. In Stage 3 most businesses, including gyms, indoor restaurants, and movie theatres, are allowed to reopen.
"For the other regions who entered Stage 2 later in the process, please be patient we'll get there very shortly," said Premier Doug Ford. "We've been working with [Toronto] Mayor [John] Tory and the mayors in Peel and Windsor regions along with their public health units to assess the situation and find a way forward."
Most of Windsor Essex, except Leamington and Kingsville, advanced to Stage 2 on June 25, 2020. According to the province's framework for reopening the economy, each region is expected to remain in Stage 2 for at least four weeks to analyze how the move is affecting the spread of the virus.
"We're looking at the numbers and as long as they are declining and going in the right direction and we consult with the local chief medical officer that's how it's going to move forward and hopefully they are going to move forward sooner rather than later," said Ford.
On Monday, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported 18 new cases of COVID-19 in the region. Over the weekend, 85 new cases were confirmed in Windsor-Essex.
