Across Canada this week, provincial governments will begin to relax the restrictions from the COVID-19 lockdown. Ontario is allowing some businesses to reopen Monday.
Senior officials in Ontario have said the province is coming out of the coronavirus pandemic faster than previously expected.
Ontario is now among the provinces that will begin to relax restrictions, but under strict public health measures, and following the advice of the province’s chief medical officer of health.
Those firms that can reopen will include seasonal businesses, such as garden centers and nurseries with curbside pickup and delivery only, lawn care companies and some essential construction projects and any that support the improved delivery of goods and services.
“Right now, there are certain businesses and workplaces that can operate safely," said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. "That means they can physically distance their staff and customers, they can put in physical barriers, they can provide contact-free services, or they can work outside and are isolated.”
The list also includes automatic and self-serve car washes, auto dealerships by appointment only and golf clubs and marinas can prepare for their seasons but not yet open to the public.
The border with the United States remains closed to all but non-essential traffic, and federal officials have said that reopening the border won’t come until a later stage.
The announcement follows optimisim from Canada’s chief medical health officer, Theresa Tam, who said Canadians have collectively brought down the rate of COVID-19 infections.
