The province has announced Windsor-Essex will be allowed to move to Stage 3 of Ontario's COVID-19 recovery plan.
The government says the region can move to Stage 3 on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
The statement released this morning says the decision was based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.
But the province stresses that it remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice as more businesses and services reopen in Stage 3.
This includes practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
As part of Stage 3, limits on gatherings are increased to a maximum of 50 people indoors and a maximum of 100 people outdoors, with physical distancing in place. Gathering limits apply to all social gatherings and events, as well as some higher risk activities and venues.
Casinos will be allowed to reopen but table games are banned.
All restaurants, bars, concession stands, and other food and drink establishments are allowed to reopen for indoor dining in Stage 3. Nightclubs are still banned from reopening, except for the purpose of serving food or drinks.
Gyms and fitness studios can also reopen with safety protocols in place. Organized sports can also resume, with the exception of contact sports.
Playgrounds, community centres and libraries will also reopen.
The province will also allow personal support services to resume that involve a customers' face, such as facials and some piercings.