Ford government releases plan to reopen economy and province

Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario's plan to reopen the province on Monday, with sights set on a 2-4 week time frame, though the premier said that hard dates are yet to be set.

The province has stressed that its focus is on a careful, stage-by-stage approach that will open Ontario's economy, with public health and workplace safety being the top priority.

"Public health officials will carefully monitor each stage for two-to-four weeks, as they assess the evolution of COVID-19 outbreak to determine if it is necessary to change course to maintain public health," a release stated.

The plan, set in stages, resembles the strategies laid out by provinces like Saskatchewan, who intent to lift restrictions starting May 4.

"Let me be crystal clear, as long as this virus remains a threat to Ontario, we will take every precaution necessary," said Ford. "No one wants the economy to reopen more than I do, but we can't take anything for granted."

Stage one will prioritize select businesses closed or restricted since the outbreak began that can "immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health guidance and occupational health and safety requirements."

Some outdoor spaces, like parks, will also allow people to attend them.

Stage two will see the opening of more work places based on risk assessment. This will also see more outdoor spaces, and public gatherings.

Continued protection will be the normal throughout this period, as social distancing measures are expected to be at least some part of day to day life for weeks to come.

Stage three, once the first two are deemed stable, will see the opening of all work places "responsibly," and would further relax restrictions of gathering in public. It is noted that large public gatherings such as sporting events and concerts will be restricted for "the foreseeable future" as they are deemed non-essential.

Each stage is expected to last around two weeks time.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says the province has a clear path forward to ease and lift restrictions, but that it was in the hands of Ontarians to ensure that they stay safe and practice good hygiene.

Premier Ford emphasized that the plan is a "road map" rather than a calendar, saying that no concrete dates or businesses would be given at the press conference today.

"As painful as it is, we don't want to be premature and open the economy up to early, and this comes back and we see an escalation in cases," said Ford. "This is a conversation, and this conversation will get better as we see the needle move."

Finance Minister Rod Philips said that clear guidelines for employers would be released as soon as it is available, to ensure that businesses are fit to keep people safe.