Type of Intervention: Regulation, Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Finance/Economy, Health, Private Sector and Businesses, Social Services, Tourism
Intervention Categories: Social and physical distancing measures; Reopening offices, businesses, institutions, and operations; Allowing gatherings, businesses, and services; Planning and strategy; Creation of or release of plans
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Overview: The Ontario government has announced the implementation of Stage 2 of the province’s reopening plan, utilizing a regional approach. Effective June 12, certain restrictions will be loosened for regions in Ontario that meet specific public health criteria, including low rates of transmission, increased hospital capacity, and progress made in testing. Restrictions being adjusted include increasing the limit on social gatherings from 5 to 10 peoples (which will be in place province-wide, regardless), opening of places of worship with physical distancing requirements in place, reopening of outdoor dine-in services at restaurants and bars, select personal care services, tour and guide services, shopping malls with existing restrictions, and more.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-permits-more-businesses-and-services-to-reopen-in-the-coming-days.html
Other links: 1
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Source of Evidence or Justification: Sub-national, Chief Medical Officer of Health and related officials/experts
Evidence/Justification: This decision was made based on advice from the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and local health officials. These experts will continue close monitoring of the evolving situation and advise when public health restrictions should be loosened or tightened. These experts analyze trends in key public health indicators, such as rates of transmission, hospital capacity, and testing progress. The government justifies this second stage of reopening as many regions have met the criteria outlined in Ontario’s reopening framework to move on to Stage 2 of the plan. This regional approach is justified by the understanding that different regions are experiencing COVID-19 differently, and can safely and gradually ease restrictions and reopen businesses.