Durham Region to enter Stage 2 on Friday, June 19

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Durham Region to Enter Stage 2 of Reopening on Friday, June 19

The following is a statement from Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Executive Director Nicole Gibson on Durham Region entering Stage 2 of the reopening. Read on below for more information on what that will mean for your business.

"Over the course of the past 3+ months, our members have done their part to fight the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve. Many businesses have been forced to make tremendously difficult and financially devastating decisions, including laying off staff, shifting business models, and temporary closures.

Today, we are very happy to hear Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that the Durham Region will be allowed to move into Stage 2 of the reopening, as of Friday, June 19th. By allowing our region to move into Stage 2, many of our members will now be able to re-open or further open their business to the community. We know how excited our members are, after months of closures or restrictions, to be in the next stage of reopening.

We hope that Ajax and Pickering residents will show their support in the comings weeks and months by buying local products and services, and by approaching business owners and front-line staff with kindness.

The Board of Trade has been grateful for the leadership from all levels of government through this pandemic. Moving forward, we will continue to listen to our members and advocate for them during this unprecedented time. At the provincial level, this advocacy includes requesting clear and inclusive re-opening guidelines, assistance for businesses in need of personal protective equipment (PPE), and inclusive financial support for businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.

We welcome the cautious re-opening of the economy and applaud the Province for keeping us on this path to recovery. Safely together, we can support our community’s health and economy."

Read Ontario's news release on the Stage 2 reopening of Durham Region.

What Can Reopen in Stage 2?

Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties;
Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo studios, barber shops, hair salons, personal organizer services;
Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only;
Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries;
Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools;
Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks;
Camping at private campgrounds;
Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing;
Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations;
Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing;
Photography studios and services, with limits to enable physical distancing;
Libraries can reopen with limited on-site services, such as computer access and contactless book pickup and drop-off;
Community centres can reopen to the public with limited or modified on-site programs and services that follow workplace guidance and public health advice;
Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, and outdoor heritage institutions are permitted to reopen with restrictions;
Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people; and
Small outdoor events, such as cultural celebrations, animal shows and fundraisers will be permitted in line with gathering-size restrictions, subject to local public health requirements. Non-essential in-person gatherings of any size continue to be strongly discouraged.

If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment when we enter Stage 2, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Find sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 in Ontario.