Ontario unveils broad outline for reopening economy in three stages
2 hrs ago
© Provided by The Canadian Press
TORONTO
— Ontario says its plan to ease restrictions introduced because
of the COVID-19 pandemic will happen in three stages, though the
steps unveiled today contain few specifics or timelines.
Stage
one in the framework published today could include opening select
workplaces that can modify operations, such as providing curbside
pickup or delivery; opening parks; allowing for more people at
certain events such as funerals; and having hospitals resume some
non-urgent surgeries.
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Stage
two could include opening more businesses, such as service, retail
or office workplaces; opening more outdoor spaces; and allowing
some larger public gatherings.
Stage
three would include having all workplaces open and further relaxing
rules on public gatherings — though large ones such as sports
events and concerts would still be restricted.
The
framework says each of the three stages will last about two to four
weeks, though it does not provide any specific dates.
At
the end of each period, the chief medical officer could advise
staying in that stage longer, moving onto the next stage or
reintroducing certain restrictions to prevent new outbreaks.
Dr.
David Williams will take various factors into account for those
decisions, the framework states, including seeing a
consistent, two-to-four week decrease in the number of new cases
and a decrease in cases that can't be traced back to a source.
Williams
would also need to see fewer new hospitalizations and enough
acute and critical care capacity in hospitals, including access to
ventilators and a good supply of personal protective
equipment.
The
gradual reopening will continue until the pandemic has passed or a
vaccine is available, the framework says.
Businesses
that are reopening will be given guidelines by the government on
how to do so safely, including hygiene and sanitation standards and
physical distancing measures.
The
province recently extended a state of emergency in place since
mid-March to mid-May. Public gatherings of more than five people
are banned and all non-essential businesses have been closed, as
have child-care centres and outdoor recreational amenities.
Education
Minister Stephen Lecce announced Sunday that publicly funded
schools will stay closed until at least May 31.
Ontario
reported 424 new COVID-19 cases Monday and 57 new deaths.
That
brings the total of cases in the province to 14,856, a 2.9 per
cent increase over Sunday's total, continuing several days of
falling growth rates.
Ontario's
total number of cases includes 892 deaths and 8,525 resolved cases.
That means more than 57 per cent of Ontario's confirmed cases are
already resolved.
There
were 17 more deaths over the previous day in long-term care
homes — information that comes from a separate database — and
there are now outbreaks in 150 facilities.
Ford
has called in operational support from the Canadian Armed Forces
for five long-term care homes in Ontario — Orchard Villa in
Pickering, Altamont Care Community in Toronto, Eatonville Care
Centre in Toronto, Hawthorne Place in Toronto and Holland Christian
Homes' Grace Manor in Brampton.
Orchard
Villa has seen 48 of its residents die, Eatonville has had 37
deaths, and Altamont has seen 32 residents and one personal support
worker die.
Seven
other long-term care homes in Ontario have had more than 20
residents die in COVID-19 outbreaks.
Ontario's
patient ombudsman's office says it is seeking whistleblower
complaints from family members and staff at long-term care homes
about staffing shortages and inadequate infection control and
prevention measures.
This
report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2020.
Allison
Jones and Shawn Jeffords, The Canadian Press
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