More Timmins businesses are able to reopen this week.
As the province moves to a regionalized approach to reopening, the Porcupine Health Unit is one of 24 regions allowed to move into the second phase of reopening June 12.
Starting Friday, the limit on social gatherings across the province is increasing from five to 10 people.
Places of worship will also be allowed to open. Attendance will be limited to 30 per cent of the building capacity to permit physical distancing.
Businesses allowed to reopen in the second phase include:
• Outdoor dine-in services at restuarants
• Hair and beauty salons, tattoo parlours, and barber shops
• Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only
• Tour and guide services
• Water recreational facilities
• Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks
• Camping at private campgrounds
• Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with physical distancing limitations
• Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions, and cultural appreciation
• Film and television production activities
• Weddings and funderals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people
The government said it will release more details on child care, summer camps, post-secondary education pilots, training centres and public transit soon.
"As a result of efforts of all Ontarians to stop the spread of COVID-19, many regions have met the criteria to move into the next stage of our reopening plan, including a decrease in new daily cases and sufficient hospital capacity in the event of any spikes in cases or outbreaks," said Minister Christine Elliott in a news release. "Our regional approach recognizes that different regions in the province are experiencing COVID-19 differently and can safely and gradually ease restrictions and reopen local businesses. We will continue to monitor any shifts in the spread and take decisive action to contain any outbreaks."
In the Porcupine Health Unit area there have been 65 confirmed COIVD-19 cases. Of those, 57 are resolved and seven people have died. There is one active case of the virus in Timmins. The last positive test was reported May 10.
As some businesses are allowed to open their doors again, it's not business as usual. See a list of some Timmins businesses that have reopened, as well as the safety precautions in place here.
The province is encouraging everyone to continue following public health advice.
That is to practise physical distancing, wearing a face covering when physical distancing may not be possible, to wash your hands well and often, and to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
For people looking to be tested, it is open to anyone who feels they need to be tested, even if you don't have symptoms. To access testing, call your health care provider or the health unit.
There are COVID-19 assessment centres in Timmins, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Hearst and Hornepayne.
The PHU COVID-19 hotline is open weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It can be reached at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.
