What opens in Hamilton Saturday and how to stay safe

Outdoor recreation is opening in time for the long weekend.

People are going to be able to launch their boats, they're going to be out golfing, they're going to be able to play sports, they're going to be able to gather with five people outside their family," said Premier Doug Ford on Thursday.

But with pandemic fatigue running high, Ontario's chief medical officer of health is warning against getting too relaxed with the rules.

When we've had long weekends, it's been a time for everybody to sort of let down their guard and we've seen a surge afterwards," said Dr. David Williams. With these variants of concern, they don't give you much latitude."

What opens Saturday?

Golf courses, marinas and boat launches, driving ranges, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball nets, skate parks, horse-riding facilities, bike trails, shooting and archery ranges, batting cages, lawn-game courts and other similar outdoor recreation.

Gatherings of up to five people outside your household.

What can I do to stay safe outdoors?

Physical distance from those you don't live with. If you can't distance, wear a mask.

Wear a mask when taking part in close contact activities like basketball and doubles tennis. Singles tennis is safer.

What is too risky?

Crowded places, car pooling, sharing overnight accommodations or meals with people you don't live with, locker rooms and gatherings indoors.

Can I explore Ontario?

You don't want to travel between regions - this will increase the spread of the disease," said Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

This also counts for camping, which isn't open yet.

Local camping with your own household is safer but camping in another region is not, and camping with other households is not safe," he said.

Can my gym or team take it outside?

No, outdoor fitness is in Phase 1, which is expected to start the week of June 14. Outdoor sports and leagues are in Phase 2, which is at least 21 days later or around July 5.

Do I have to follow the rules if I'm vaccinated?

Yes. Most Ontarians have only had one shot so they are not fully protected and can also possibly still transmit COVID. In addition, it takes three to five weeks after vaccination to develop immunity.

What is not opening yet?

Pools, splash pads, outdoor fitness classes, restaurant patios, Ontario Parks, campgrounds, outdoor religious services, botanical gardens, zoos, landmarks, horse racing and motor speedways are all in Phase 1 of reopening expected to be around the week of June 14. Gatherings go to 10, essential retail at 25 per cent capacity and non-essential at 15 per cent.

Outdoor sports and leagues, overnight camp, personal care services where face coverings can be worn such as hair cuts, indoor religious services, public libraries, outdoor cinemas, outdoor water parks, amusement parks, fairs and rural exhibitions, outdoor event spaces and outdoor tour and guide services are all in Phase 2, which is at least 21 days later or around July 5. Gatherings up to 25, essential retail at 50 per cent capacity and non-essential at 25 per cent.

Indoor sports and recreational fitness, indoor dining, movie theatres, museums, art galleries, casinos, bingo halls, indoor zoos, aquariums, indoor water parks and indoor event spaces are in Phase 3, which is at least 21 days later or around July 26.

Most of the above have varying capacity limits in each phase.

For more information go to news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1000159/roadmap-to-reopen.

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com