Ford promises ‘good news’ soon for GTA as other regions begin reopening,

Premier will have update on Monday for regions still stuck in first stage

Premier Doug Ford is hinting at “good news” for the Greater Toronto Area, which could join most of the rest of Ontario in opening up its economy later this month with COVID-19 cases on the decline.

As much of the province entered the second stage of reopening Friday — allowing restaurant patios, public pools and other seasonal favourites to operate, as well many different services — Ford said he was encouraged by current trends.

Ontario’s local medical officers of health will hold a conference call Saturday to discuss next steps.

Ford stressed that he is listening to their advice, so Toronto can only move to the next stage if Dr. Eileen de Villa, the city’s chief public health official, gives the green light.

Sources told the Star that the city is looking easing restrictions as of June 26, meaning another fortnight in the current state.

But the rest of the province is moving forward.

“In 24 regions across Ontario, from Chatham to Kingston to Thunder Bay to Guelph, barber shops, hair salons, and shopping malls are reopening as part of stage two,” the premier told reporters at his daily teleconference.

“Restaurants and bars in those regions are opening up their patios with strict public health measures in place,” he said, encouraging “everyone in these communities to show their support this weekend and shop local.” Ottawa, Muskoka, Brant County, Grey Bruce, Peterborough, Prince Edward County, Sudbury, Waterloo and dozens of other communities are also now in the second stage. There are no travel restrictions on visiting them.

With the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara and Windsor, among other areas, still in the first stage of opening up, Ford stressed that he would have another update on Monday.

“Please be patient and I know we’ll have some good news very shortly for you,” he said. “We know more regions of Ontario will join them very, very soon, especially if we continue to see these downward trends across the province. We want to get people back to work as quickly and as safely as possible and get our economy roaring once again.”

Ontario has been in a state of emergency since March 17, which is slated to continue until June 30, although MPPs could vote to again extend it.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said an “important milestone” was reached with the lowest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since late March, with half the province’s health units reporting no new infections and 28 having five or fewer cases.

The number of active cases in the province on Friday was 3,041, down from 3,172 the day before. Ontario’s population is 14.5 million.

“This is a remarkable accomplishment and one that is only possible because of the collective efforts of every Ontarian to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Elliott, as she announced new “social circles” of up to 10 people to allow households to bubble together. With files from Rob Ferguson