Ontario entering Step 2 of reopening on June 30

Ontario will enter Step 2 of the province’s three-step COVID-19 reopening plan on June 30.

The move will mean barbers and salons will be able to open next Wednesday, two days earlier than expected. Capacity limits for retail stores and patios are also expected to expand.

Outdoor gathering capacity will increase to 25 people while indoor gatherings will be allowed with up to five people.

“Because of the tireless work of our health care heroes, and the record setting success of our vaccine rollout, we are able to move into Step 2 ahead of schedule on June 30 with the support of our public health experts” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.

“We are proceeding safely with the reopening of our province and will continue to work around the clock until the job is done.”

What’s allowed in Step 2?

Gatherings

• Maximum 25 people for outdoor gatherings
• Maximum five people for indoor gatherings

Religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (does not apply to receptions)

• Indoor permitted at 25 per cent capacity of the room
• Outdoor permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of two metres

Retail

• Essential retail at 50% capacity
• Non-essential retail at 25% capacity

Liquor stores

• Open at 50% capacity

Restaurants and bars

• Outdoor dining with 6 people per table and other restrictions
• Karaoke permitted with restrictions (outdoor only)

Personal care services

• Open at 25% capacity to maximum of 5 people
• Appointment required
• Services that require the removal of a face covering not permitted

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

• Outdoor sports leagues open
• Training for professional or amateur athletes and/or competitions
• Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes and day camps

Personal fitness and training

• Outdoor fitness classes and personal training – with limit on the number of patrons, 3 metres distance

Outdoor recreational amenities

• Open with restrictions

Water features

• Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides open

Meeting and event spaces

• Outdoor spaces open at 25% capacity and other restrictions
• Indoor meeting and event spaces closed, with exceptions for certain purposes, including for viewing for potential booking of a future event

See a complete list of what can reopen in each step.

Roadmap to Reopen

Step 2 required 70 per cent of adults with one dose and 20 per cent fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

As of Wednesday, 76 per cent of Ontario adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and roughly 27 per cent are now fully vaccinated.

That vaccination rate matches the 70 to 80 per cent that is outlined for Step 3 of the reopening plan.

Premier Doug Ford had previously hinted that he would like to move to Step 2 a little bit sooner than originally planned.

Dr. David Williams, the province’s top doctor, had appeared reluctant to significantly speed up the reopening plan that has each stage separated by 21 days, citing the risk of a virus resurgence with a more infectious variant spreading.

He said last week, however, that he would consider moving to Step 2 a few days ahead of schedule.

Williams will give his last COVID-19 update as chief medical officer of health on Thursday. The province tabled a motion last month that would replace Williams after more than five years in the role.

There were 255 new cases of COVID-19 in Ontario on Wednesday and 11 more deaths linked to the virus.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said there are 57 new cases in Toronto, 53 in the Region of Waterloo, and 25 in Peel Region.