Ontario tips over threshold for moving to Step 2. What happens next?
Ontario passed the threshold for moving into Step 2 on Friday but the province's top doctor said he would only consider speeding up the reopening process by "a day or two."
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams made the comment on Thursday during a briefing at Queen's Park.
He said it's possible Ontario could move into Step 2 slightly earlier than the original July 2 date, but dismissed the idea that it would come any earlier than that.
"There's an end to the journey in sight," Williams said. "Let's make sure we get there safely, rather than doing something careless or reckless along the way."
"We want to make sure we’re careful as we go forward."
Ontario entered Step 1 on June 11, which was three days earlier than the original target set by the government.
According to the province’s reopening plan, Ontario must wait at least 21 days to assess the COVID-19 trends before easing restrictions further.
"Let's stay the course," Williams said. "We're going to have to move the yardstick even further to get to Step 2."
"People just have to be patient."
On Thursday, Ford said he would only green-light an early move to Step 2 if it is approved by Williams.
"There's no one who wants to open this economy more than I do,” Ford said. "I just want to make sure we do it cautiously. I want to get the stamp of approval from all the docs and we’re going to be well on our way."
To enter Step 2, 70 per cent of adults need to be vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
To date, 75 per cent of Ontarians have received their first dose, while 20 per cent have had both doses.
The province has previously said it wants to wait two weeks after hitting the threshold to ease restrictions. The final decision would be made by cabinet at Queen's Park.
Infectious disease specialist and member of Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine task force Dr. Isaac Bogoch said Thursday that there should be flexibility within the reopening plan depending on public health trends.
"Those dates should not be set in stone," Bogoch said. "There should be some flexibility with those dates and we have to be able to pivot."
Step 2 will allow for indoor gatherings of up to five people, along with outdoor gatherings of 25 people.
Outdoor sports and leagues can resume, along with personal care services, where a face covering can be worn.
Indoor religious services can also resume at 15 per cent capacity.
Essential retail restrictions will be eased, with essential retailers allowed 50 per cent capacity and non-essential 25 per cent.
Outdoor amusement and water parks can also reopen. Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music, events and attractions can also being to operate again.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.