As restrictions loosen, here's what's opening this weekend in Ontario.

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Kirti Pathak
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Ontario

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Following a spring that saw a stay-at-home order extended twice and the closing of outdoor leisure facilities and services, Ontarians are getting some relief this weekend in the form of lighter restrictions and increased vaccination eligibility.

In light of COVID-19 cases on the decline and vaccination rates increasing, the reforms were revealed this week, along with a three-step reopening plan.

Premier Doug Ford unveiled a new initiative on Thursday that would gradually relax restrictions during June, July, and August based on vaccination rates and key public health and healthcare indicators.

Outdoor facilities, such as golf courses, tennis courts, and skate parks, reopened at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, though team sports and classes remain prohibited. The ban on outdoor leisure facilities was enacted in April when Ontario extended a stay-at-home order and implemented additional restrictions in response to an increase in the number of cases.

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Outdoor gatherings of up to five people from different households are also allowed as of Saturday. For the time being, indoor socializing is prohibited.

Meanwhile, residents of Ontario's long-term care homes have been given permission to go outside, but some critics argue this isn't enough.

People were also disappointed by the sudden reopening, claiming that not all homes should plan outdoor visits for the long weekend. Given the 24-hour notice, Dr. Nathan Stall, a geriatrician in Toronto, believes it will take some time for homes to adopt these visits.

According to a news release issued by the province's Ministry of Health Friday evening, the age group, which was made qualified a week ahead of time, will be able to schedule an appointment via the provincial booking system and call center, as well as at select pharmacies.

To book online, people must be at least 12 years old on the date of their reservation. People who are not yet 12 years old as of Sunday can make an appointment with the provincial call center or with public health units that have their own booking system.

The Pfizer-BioNTech injection is the only COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in people aged 12 and up.

Despite the fact that some regions have already begun immunizing children at pop-up clinics and larger clinics, the province claims it changed the plan at the behest of public health units.

 

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