Here’s what moving into Stage Two of reopening means for Hamilton
- Michael Kras
- 29 Jun 2021
On Wednesday, June 30th, Hamilton – along with the rest of Ontario – will be making the move into Stage Two of the province’s gradual reopening plan a few days earlier than previously announced.
With Ontario exceeding vaccination targets and successfully hitting other important public health markers, a slightly earlier move into Stage Two will see further parts of the economy reopening and more restrictions relaxed.
But what does all of this mean for Hamilton, exactly?
Hair cuts, malls, sports leagues and inviting friends inside. Lines at stores will shorten and Canada Day backyard BBQs can have 25 guests. Cheer at a game, see a concert or scream on a roller coaster.
Your guide to what is opening June 30.https://t.co/IdqCghoLpi via @thespec— Joanna Frketich (@jfrketich) June 24, 2021
In what is sure to be welcomed news for those of us who desperately need a haircut, one of the largest changes in Stage Two will be the permitted reopening of personal care services such as hairdressers, salons, and spas.
These personal care facilities will see strict capacity limits, and face coverings will be required at all times for both patrons and staff.
There will also be changes to outdoor patio dining, with the limit of diners per table now expanded from 4 people to 6 people maximum. The tables outdoors must be distanced by at least 6 feet, with masks worn when not at a table. Indoor dining remains shuttered in this stage.
Limits on social gatherings will also expand, with outdoor gatherings and organized events allowed for a maximum of 25 people, and indoor gatherings at a maximum of 5 people.
In-person shopping with essential retail will get bumped up to 50 per cent capacity, and non-essential retail will be capped at 25 per cent.
Outdoor fitness classes are now permitted, as long as everyone participating can maintain a physical distance of at least 3 feet apart.
Large indoor religious services and ceremonies, including weddings and funerals, will be allowed at a 25 per cent capacity and with strict mask-wearing in place.
Similarly, outdoor services of this sort will be permitted and capped at the number of people who can maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres apart.
Outdoor amusement parks and water parks can reopen at a 25 per cent capacity limit, as can outdoor sporting events, outdoor cinemas, and outdoor live performance events such as theatre or live music.
Hamilton and the whole of Ontario will remain in Stage Two of reopening for at least 21 days before a move into Stage Three will be considered.
Though the next stage of reopening is cause for excitement, locals are reminded to stay safe and remain cautious to help mitigate further spread of COVID-19; particularly as the more contagious Delta variant threatens to become the dominant strain of the virus.
Read more on the Ontario website.
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