London and St. Thomas, Ont. among regions allowed to move to stage two of reopening

Some regions of Ont. to enter phase 2 of reopening Ont. Premier Ford announced the latest details in phase 2 of reopening in the province including shopping centres and malls.

Middlesex Centre, Ont. — A number of business, as well as places of worship in London, St. Thomas and the surrounding counties will be allowed to reopen on Friday with some conditions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also announced that the limit on social gatherings will increase from five to 10 people, as long as physical distancing is maintained between those from different households.

The changes come as the province implements a regional reopening strategy, with regions like the Greater Toronto Area and the Hamilton area, under slightly different rules.

Areas under the auspices of Chatham-Kent Public Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit, Huron Perth Public Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health can begin the next stage.

The areas in our region covered by Lambton Public Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit were not included in the reopening locations for this week.

The first two are a concern due to their border crossings, while the latter continues to deal with an outbreak among migrant workers.

Ford said in a statement, "Although this is extremely encouraging, I urge everyone to exercise caution and continue to follow public health advice as we are not out of the woods yet."

Among the locations and business allowed to open with property health and safety measures, according to the province, are:

Additional updates on child care, summer camps and public transit to support those returning to work are expected soon.

Still, the province wants everyone to continue to practise physical distancing, wear a face covering if physical distancing is a challenge, wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

A new update is expected every Monday on what can reopen and where.