Journal Staff
Sarnia-Lambton has been approved to move to Stage 3 of Ontario’s economic reopening strategy on Friday, July 24, the provincial government said today
The move means nearly all businesses and public spaces can reopen, provided proper public safety measures on in place.
Social gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people indoors, and a maximum of 100 people outdoors, with physical distancing in place.
However, social circle limits will remain at a maximum of 10 people.
Because Stage 3 means more social activity and an increased chance of COVID-19 spreading, everyone needs to stay diligent, Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health, said today.
“Following the public health safety measures must be considered at every opportunity."
Team sports can resume competitive play, provided players adhere to physical distancing guidelines and avoid prolonged and deliberate physical contact.
Restaurants can resume indoor service with tables spaced two metres apart, and bars and nightclubs can serve food and host live entertainment.
Sarnia said services will resume on Monday, July 27 at municipal buildings, including City Hall, public works, and Sarnia Transit.
City buses will move to Saturday-level transit service on weekdays staring Tuesday, Aug. 4. Full busing service resumes Sunday, Sept. 6, the city said.
Other facilities allowed to reopen include movie theatres, fitness centres and casinos.
However, some higher risk activities are not permitted in Stage 3. They include:
* Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements
* Overnight stays at camps for children
* Private karaoke rooms
* Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports
* Saunas, steam rooms, bathhouses and oxygen bars
* Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.
Ontario said today it will continue to monitor key public health indicators and some Stage 3 restrictions will be further eased over time when it’s considered safe to do so.
But it also means more restrictions will be imposed if cases spike.
Despite having a low number of active cases and plenty of hospital capacity, Sarnia-Lambton was one of ust10 public health regions held back last week from entering Stage 3.
Starting Friday, only three regions will remain at Stage 2: Peel, Toronto and Windsor-Essex.