Niagara will be permitted to enter stage 3 of the regional reopening this coming Friday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed at a press conference at 1 p.m.
Seven regions were added to the list of those now allowed to open a list of establishments.
During the update, Ford urged residents to shop local and Ontario-made products to help the economy recover faster.
Niagara Public Health has confirmed 800 cases in the region since March 13.
On Monday, two new cases were reported.
The biggest increase in cases recently occurred over the weekend, when 13 cases were confirmed.
Health officials say they are hopeful that the increase was just a temporary spike.
As of Friday at 12:01 a.m., the following regions will enter Stage 3 of the province's reopening framework: Halton, Durham, Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton, Lambton, Niagara, and York Region.
The following businesses and places are permitted to reopen in Stage 3:
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars
- Gyms/Fitness centres
- Casinos
- Most personal care services
- Live shows
- Performing arts/movie theatres
- Recreational facilities
- Team sports
- Live sporting events
- Tour and guide services
The Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health experts and other officials have advised the following, high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, even if a region has entered Stage 3, due to the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID‑19:
- Amusement parks and water parks
- Buffet-style food services
- Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements
- Overnight stays at camps for children
- Private karaoke rooms
- Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports
- Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars
- Table games at casinos and gaming establishments
Windsor-Essex, Toronto, and Peel Region will not be entering Stage 3 this week.
