Province may start reopening Friday

The provincial government is signalling it may begin reopening Ontario Friday.

Today, the province reported 525 new cases of COVID-19 – that’s the lowest number since September. In Lambton, there were just five new cases reported with only 37 people ill.

The province unveiled its Three Step Reopening plan in late May, saying it would likely begin June 14. But Health Minister Christine Elliott told CTV today that the number of cases per day is hopeful and the province is considering beginning the reopening of the province sooner than expected.

Vaccination rates are also moving up with nearly 75 per cent of Ontarians over 18 and 65 per cent of the total eligible population (12 and up) with their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

If the province did allow the reopening to begin Friday, it would mean there would be more outdoor activities with smaller crowds including gatherings of up to 10 unrelated people, restaurants could reopen patios for dining of up to four people per table and retail would open at 15 per cent capacity.

The province has said it will wait 21 days before moving to the next stage of reopening, which sees sports leagues operating, up to 25 people in outdoor gatherings, personal care services – such as hair dressers – opening and indoor church services with up to 15 per cent capacity.

In the meantime, the drive to give residents in Lambton their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine continues. Seventy year olds can now book a second dose appointment. They’ll be sent an email or be given a phone call about the opportunity.