Province Outlines Plan for Reopening the Economy

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Monday, 27 April 2020 13:53

Premier Ford was clear the framework to reopen the economy in Ontario is a road map, it is about how we are reopening, not when we are reopening. Ford will not set hard dates because the virus, moves at it's own speed.

ONTARIO - The Province of Ontario released the guidelines today of how we can start to re-open the economy.

Premier Doug Ford says this framework is about how we are reopening, not when we are reopening.

"Working together we are flattening the curve at the most critical time we ensured that our health system was not overwhelmed, today our experts are telling us that we are in the peak, how long this peak lasts remains to be seen but now thanks to you, thanks to the heroic efforts of our front line workers, we are now in the position to set the conditions for reopening and based on the best advice available to us with our health experts, our government has developed a framework to reopen the economy."

The government is planning a stage-by-stage approach to reopening the economy to ensure there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely. Public health officials will carefully monitor each stage for two to four weeks, as they assess the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak to determine if it is necessary to change course to maintain public health.

Stage 1: For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately modify operations to meet public health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services.

Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces. Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and more outdoor spaces would open.

Stage 3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings.

Ford says he is not going to set any hard dates for when the economy might reopen.

"Let me be crystal clear, as long as this virus remains a threat to Ontario, we will continue to take every precaution necessary, we will continue to act based on the best advice available to us. Nobody wants the economy to open up more than I do but we can't take anything for granted, we can't take unnecessary risks, because we have seen around the world that all it takes is one person. If precautions are not taken, one person infected with this virus can spread it to hundreds of others, my friends our future is in our hands. By taking the advice seriously by doing our part, we will determine when things will open up again. The steps we are taking are working, but progress doesn't mean we can quit now and that is why I won't set hard dates until we are ready because the virus travels at it's own speed."

To reopen the economy, the government will consider factors such as the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and the ability to implement protective measures to keep workplaces safe. The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will provide advice to the government about easing public health measures using a range of set criteria, including:

- A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases;

- Sufficient acute and critical care capacity, including access to ventilators and ongoing availability of personal protective equipment;

- Approximately 90 per cent of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by local public health officials within one day, with guidance and direction to contain community spread;

- Ongoing testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, especially of vulnerable populations, to detect new outbreaks quickly.

You can find more information online here and you can listen to Fords complete statement below.