Ontario has given the green light for some regions to open up Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01 am as part of their Stage 2 plan. In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local health officials, the government is easing restrictions in communities where it is safe to do so, based on trends of key public health indicators such as few new cases in the past two weeks, adequate capacity in hospitals, and progress made in testing.

The region of Leeds, Grenville and Lanark has been identified as one of the regions that can move to Phase 2. “Our region has done well in following the public health precautions for COVID19,” says Medical officer of Health, Dr. Paula Stewart. “Let’s keep this going as we prepare for the Stage 2 opening of many more amenities and businesses. It is critical that everyone continue to practice physical distancing of 2m/6ft, stay home when you are sick, wash your hands, and do regular cleaning of common hard surfaces. When you do need to go out in public, take a cloth face covering/mask with you so you can put it on when you are potentially in close contact with other people.”

For businesses, the key to success in this Stage 2 re-opening is to wait to open till all safety precautions for your employees and customers/clients are in place. A listing of 105 guidelines for business safety precautions is found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace?_ga=2.204924242.390648340.1591631735-1391031727.1591631735  

A listing of the businesses included in this Stage 2 re-opening is available at: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-permits-more-businesses-and-services-to-reopen-in-the-coming-days.html  For questions about business call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Included in this Stage 2 re-opening is an increase to the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people across the province. Additionally, all places of worship in Ontario will be permitted to open with physical distancing in place and attendance limited to no more than 30 per cent of the building capacity to ensure the safety of worshippers.

The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related health questions and concerns for the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. Public health inspectors will be doing their regular inspections on places that have public health requirements to open, and are also available to discuss environmental health concerns – for questions, dial 1-800-660-5853 extension 2308. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter.

For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or