What to expect when stay-at-home orders lift

Region’s latest epidemiologic data points to Hamilton being placed in red control parameters next week

Ontario lifted the stay-at-home order for some areas of the province this week, and the same could happen for Hamilton soon.

Hamilton’s stay-at-home order has been extended until Feb. 16 at which point the city is expected to move back into the province’s phased framework.

So far, it’s unclear where in the framework Hamilton will fall, but here’s what business owners can expect once the stay-athome order is over:

When will the stay-at-home order lift in Hamilton?

Hamilton is slated to return to the restrictions outlined in the province’s COVID-19 response framework as early as Feb. 16 along with most other public health regions. Toronto, Peel and York will remain under the stay-at-home order until at least Feb. 22.

What stage of the COVID-19 framework will Hamilton follow?

The province has not yet confirmed which restrictions will be imposed on Hamilton next week, but Mayor Fred Eisenberger said during a media briefing on Tuesday: “I understand that businesses … are trying to guess which [stage] we’re in, in terms of getting themselves ready for what might happen next week. I would ask you just to hang in there,” he said.

As of Feb. 10, Hamilton Public Health Services reported a weekly incidence rate of 58 cases per 100,000, with a 2.8 per cent positivity rate for COVID-19 tests completed in the last seven days.

The average number of secondary infection cases that stem from each person who has contracted COVID-19, called the reproduction number, was 0.78. This indicates new cases are on the decline, while a reproduction number of greater than one points to increased spread.

These figures would land Hamilton within the red control restrictions, pending any other considerations from the province.

Other factors, including hospital capacity, prevalence of outbreaks and case contact management, are also weighed as part of restrictions. A region can be put into the grey lockdown stage if “adverse trends” are observed after entering the red control stage, according to the province’s updated framework.

Hamilton was in grey lockdown before the stay-at-home order.

What does this mean for Hamilton bars and restaurants?

If Hamilton is put into the red control stage, it would signal a return to indoor dining, with up to 10 customers allowed inside a restaurant, respecting a twometre distance requirement. This excludes buffet service. Eye protection is also required for employees when coming into contact with unmasked diners.

Live performances are still prohibited and restaurants are required to be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Under grey lockdown, only takeout, drive-thru and delivery are allowed.

What about fitness facilities?

Indoor class sizes are capped at 10 people, and 25 people outdoors, with no team sports allowed in the red control stage. As masks are not mandatory while exercising, keeping three metres of distance is required during fitness classes or between exercise equipment.

In the grey lockdown stage, sports and recreational facilities are closed.

Outdoor amenities like ice rinks, ski hills and snow trails are allowed, but not for team sports.

What are the new rules for retail?

Grocery stores and pharmacies in the red control stage will be capped at 75 per cent capacity, and 50 per cent for other retailers, which are all required to post their capacity limits.

Under grey lockdown, supermarkets and pharmacies can operate at 50 per cent capacity, while other retailers — like hardware, big-box and garden stores — will be capped at 25 per cent.