The Ontario government announced Monday that Toronto, Peel Region and Windsor-Essex will not move to Stage 3 on Friday while the remaining regions will amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Toronto, Peel Region and Windsor-Essex were also the last three regions to move on to Stage 2.
The decision was made due to three regions continuing to battle spikes in coronavirus cases.
“We’re working with communities across the province to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help more businesses safely and responsibly hang up their ‘Open for Business’ sign,” said Premier Doug Ford.
The following are the regions in the province that can enter Stage 3 on Friday, July 24 at 12:01 a.m.:
- York Region
- Durham Region
- Halton Region
- Hamilton
- Niagara Region
- Haldimand-Norfolk
- Lambton
“Entering Stage 3 does not mean the fight against COVID-19 is over,” said Health Minister Chritins Elliott. “We all must remain vigilant and continue following public health advice to ensure the progress we have made so far in stopping the spread will not be undone.”
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In Stage 3, gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people when indoors and a maximum of 100 outdoors.
The government said individuals will still be required to maintain physical distancing with people from outside of their social circle, which remains capped at 10 people.
The increase in the gathering limit applies only to regions entering Stage 3. This differs from when the province entered Stage 2 on June 12 and the limit increase applied to the entire province, even in areas that weren’t initially moving ahead with further reopening.
As part of Stage 3, indoor dining (except for buffet operations) will be permitted to resume at restaurants and bars. Gyms will be permitted to reopen with strict measures in place.
As of Monday, Ontario had 37,739 cases and 2,752 total deaths.
—With files from Ryan Rocca
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