The Government of Ontario announced today that most of the province is moving to Stage 2 of reopening this coming Friday. What does that mean for Windsor-Essex?

There was some good news and bad news for hospitality and tourism businesses in Windsor-Essex today.




The good news? The Province of Ontario officially announced that beginning on Friday, restaurants and tourism businesses will be permitted to open in select areas across the province. The province is also increasing the limits on social gathering, allowing up to 10 people as of Friday. The increased social gathering rules apply to the entire province, regardless of whether the region is moving to Stage 2, but physical distancing rules still apply.

The bad news? Due to having one of the highest per capita COVID-19 infection rates in the province, Windsor-Essex was not included in the regions permitted to reopen.

We’re trying to look at the news as the glass being half full as that means there’s light at the end of tunnel and reopening could be happening soon. Here is what will be permitted in the areas moving into Stage 2:

These are the businesses that can reopen in regions entering Stage 2:

  • Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties
  • Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries
  • Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only
  • Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people.
  • Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools
  • Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks
  • Camping at private campgrounds
  • Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing
  • Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations
  • Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing
  • Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons

 

 

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