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Canadian Provinces Announce Reopening Plans

As government and health officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, some premiers have unveiled tentative plans to ease restrictions.

Several of Canada’s premiers have announced provisional plans to begin reopening nonessential businesses and easing health restrictions over the next few weeks.

During a news conference week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the province’s three-phased plan “a roadmap to guide collective decision-making,” not a calendar, and said he would not be setting exact dates for enacting the phases until the province is ready. For now, each phase will be separated by two to four weeks once it’s implemented, which won’t be until the province has a daily decrease in cases.

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“The future is in our hands,” he said. “We’ll determine when we open up again. … The danger isn’t over yet.”

In Phase 1, select workplaces will be allowed to reopen and will be required to follow health guidelines for workers and customers. Small gatherings will also be allowed. In Phase 2, more companies and outdoor spaces will be opened, and larger gatherings will be allowed. Finally, in Phase 3, restrictions on gatherings will largely be relaxed and all workplaces will be opened. However, concerts and athletic events will be restricted for the foreseeable future.

Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott echoed Ford’s sentiments, stating that, while the government is laying out a reopening plan, it doesn’t mean Ontarians should stop social distancing. “We need everyone to continue their efforts to stay home,” she said.

Rod Phillips, minister of finance, warned that all the effort over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread shouldn’t be for naught.

“We’re charting the course for what comes next,” he said. “It’s not everything at once.” He added that workplaces will be given clear health guidelines so they can prepare for reopening.

Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s minister for economic development and trade, said the province continues to invest in critical supplies and equipment, and that he and his colleagues are proud of how the business community has responded to the crisis.

“I applaud all the businesses that have supported us,” he said. “Employees have overcome incredible challenges to keep working, and to keep the province and country moving. It’s taken an immense toll on companies and workers.” He added that, while Ontarians are sure to be disappointed that officials can’t offer definitive dates for reopenings and easings, they’ll be using the roadmap on an as-needed basis.

Meanwhile, as long as hospitalizations peak or start to decrease, Quebec officials announced during a separate news conference that they will gradually reopen day cares and elementary schools in May. Horacio Arruda, Director of Public Health, said primary schools outside Montreal will reopen on May 11 and those within Montreal on May 19. However, high schools, universities and CEGEPs will stay closed until late August. Arruda said they’re currently discussing health measures to put in place, such as maintaining 2 meters between each student, limiting class sizes and testing when needed.

Students with underlying conditions and those with health-compromised guardians should not return, said Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge, and neither should teachers over 60, who will be allowed to continue remote work. A province-wide plan for easing restrictions is expected to be announced this week.

Below is a summary of provinces’ reopening plans:

Newfoundland and Labrador: Plans for a slow reopening are in the works. Prince Edward Island: Plans will be released in the coming days.

Nova Scotia: No immediate plans. Premier Stephen McNeil encouraged residents this week to continue with social distancing measures.

New Brunswick: Officials have started easing restrictions on businesses and announced a color-coded health plan.

Manitoba: Plans will be released in the coming days.

Saskatchewan: Officials have unveiled the Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, comprised of five phases to gradually reopen businesses and services, beginning May 4.

Alberta: Officials have not yet announced plans to reopen, though Premier Stephen Kenney has said a committee will meet this week to discuss an easing strategy.

British Columbia: Officials want to see more slowing before announcing a plan. Elective surgeries could resume early next month, and eateries have been asked to figure out how to keep customers socially distanced when they’re allowed to reopen.

All provinces and territories currently have restrictions in place on nonessential travel across provincial borders.