June 12, 2020, as most regions in Ontario officially enter stage two of reopening, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontarians will be permitted to establish “social circles,” effective immediately.
Premier Ford was joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott, and Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams.
Earlier today, the province announced investments to protect agri-food workers, and to improve access to healthy meals for school-age children.
Yesterday evening, the government also announced that the 30-day limit on prescriptions in Ontario will be lifted on June 15, 2020.
Further Details
“Social Circles” Now Permitted to Reduce Social Isolation
This afternoon, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontarians will be permitted to establish “social circles” of up to 10 people. This measure will be in effect province-wide, effective immediately, regardless of whether or not a region was permitted to enter stage two of reopening today.
The “social circle” is distinct from the increased social gathering sizes which also came into effect today:
- Social gatherings can be any 10 people from outside your household, but where physical distancing of at least two metres should be maintained.
- Social circles are groups of up to 10 members in total, in which members can interact and come into close contact with one another without physical distancing. This may include members from outside one’s immediate household.
Health and Safety Measures for Farm Operations
Earlier today, the government announced a $15 million investment to enhance health and safety measures on farms and in food processing facilities.
The Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program provides cost-share funding for farmers to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and implement workplace modifications and other measures. Today’s investment significantly expands this program by more than tripling the previous investment.
Improved Access to Healthy Meals for Children
The government also announced today that it would invest $1 million to improve access to healthy meals and snacks for school-age children and youth that are impacted by the inability to access the Student Nutrition Program during the pandemic.
Over the past few months, the Student Nutrition Program has been adapted to include new local approaches to meal delivery including distributing grocery gift cards, delivering food boxes, meal kits or frozen meals, and supporting food banks to provide nutritious items to families with school-age children.
Ontario Lifting 30-Day Supply Limit on Prescriptions
Yesterday evening, the government announced that the 30-day limit on prescriptions in Ontario will be lifted on June 15, 2020. As of June 15, prescriptions for Ontario Drug Benefit program medications may be filled up to a 100-day supply at a time. Ontarians are encouraged to buy the medications they need in reasonable quantities to prevent shortages.