Good evening Kanata North,
This afternoon, the Premier announced a Three-Step-Roadmap on how to safely reopen the province. Nearly 60% of the province and 53% of Ottawa’s eligible population (18+) have been vaccinated. This significant progress in vaccination means that plans are being introduced for a gradual reopening across the province. The province has outlined a three-step roadmap to reopening, during each step restrictions will relax as more people are vaccinated. Each step is separated by at least 21 days.
Based on current trends in key health indicators, including the provincial vaccination rate, the provincial government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. The province will confirm this closer to the expected start of Step One.
While all the details are not yet known in Ottawa, I will share more information as it becomes available. Here is the latest available information we have about the reopening of the province.
What to Expect in the Next Couple of Days
Effective Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. the province will reopen outdoor recreational amenities with restrictions in place, such as the need to maintain physical distancing. These amenities include but are not limited to:
- golf courses
- driving ranges
- soccer and other sports fields
- tennis and basketball courts
- skate parks
- baseball diamonds
- archery and shooting ranges
While these amenities are reopening, it’s important to note that no outdoor sports or recreational classes are permitted.
Also, outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events will be expanded to five people, which will allow these amenities to be used for up to five people, including with members of different households. All other public health and workplace safety measures under the provincewide emergency brake will remain in effect.
Understanding the Three Step Roadmap to Reopen
Roadmap to Reopen outlines three steps to easing public health measures, by defining the incremental reopening of the Province. Each step will last at least 21 days, provided vaccine rollout remains reliable, and public health metrics continue to improve.
Reopening will be guided by the following principles:
- Step One: An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity. The date for this Step One opening is expected to be at some point during the week of June 14th, to be confirmed closer to the date by the Province.
- Step Two: Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn. This includes outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people, outdoor sports and leagues, overnight camps, personal care services where face coverings can be worn and with capacity limits, as well as indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings at 15 per cent capacity.
- Step Three: Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes indoor sports and recreational fitness, indoor dining, museums, art galleries and libraries, and casinos and bingo halls, with capacity limits.
The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If at the end of the 21 days, the following vaccination thresholds have been met, along with positive trends in other key public health and health system indicators, then the province will move to the next step:
- Step 1: 60 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose.
- Step 2: 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
- Step 3: 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
Unfortunately, at this time, publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools in the province will continue to operate under teacher-led remote learning. Data will be assessed on an ongoing basis and medical experts, including the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health officials will be consulted to determine if it may be safe to resume in-person learning.
While the promise of reopening is reassuring, I ask you all to please continue your efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This isn’t our first reopening, but we all need to work together to make sure it’s our last. The only way we can reach our goals is if everyone exercises caution and good judgement, by being COVIDWise and following the restrictions. Thank you very much for your patience and for being such a caring community.
I will share more information when it becomes available.
Take care,
Jenna Sudds