Tushar Anandasagar
Partner
Article
8
As case counts decrease and vaccination rates increase, the Ontario government has released a new framework for reopening the province following the anticipated expiry of the current provincial stay-at-home order on June 2, 2021.
On May 20, 2021, the Ontario government released its "Roadmap to Reopen", which sets out three "Steps" for reopening, summarized below. Each Step is contingent upon certain vaccination rate thresholds, and other key public health indicators being met. The province has indicated that each Step will be separated by a period of at least 21 days.
The province has also eliminated certain restrictions under the current stay-at-home order. Effective 12:01 a.m. on May 22, 2021, outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses and driving ranges, tennis and basketball courts and other sports fields, will reopen, while outdoor gatherings and organized public events will be permitted for a maximum of five (5) people.
Ontario is anticipated to enter Step One in the week of June 14, 2021, after 60% of adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The foregoing date may change, depending on key public health indicators including hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and new admissions, and COVID-19 case rates.
During Step One, the following activities will be permitted:
Ontario is anticipated to enter Step Two at least 21 days following the beginning of Step One, provided that at least 70% of adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This timeframe is flexible, and will depend on the key public health indicators noted above.
During Step Two, the following activities will be permitted:
Ontario is anticipated to enter Step Three at least 21 days following the beginning of Step Two, provided that at least 70% to 80% of adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 25% of adults have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. A decision to move from Step Two to Step Three will also depend on the key public health indicators noted above.
During Step Three, the following activities will be permitted:
The province's announcement indicates that it will be moving away from the colour-coded COVID-19 response framework, which does not include references to vaccination rates and key vaccination thresholds.
Although movement between the three "Steps" on the Roadmap to Reopen will necessarily depend on public health indicators, the province's announcement makes it clear that boosting the rate of vaccination across all public health units is its primary objective.
The province's Roadmap to Reopen builds upon other recently announced risk reduction strategies:
As the third wave continues to unfold, our Essential Services Task Force continues to track strategies that can help your business reopen, or remain open. Please stay tuned to our COVID-19 Insights for further details. If you have any questions about these orders, the members of Gowling WLG's Employment, Labour & Equalities Group would be happy to discuss key concerns and the possible implications on your business.
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