Hamilton to lock down while Ontario begins lifting restrictions in 'grey zone'

Pending approval from the province's Lieutenant Governor, restrictions will begin to be lifted in Ontario's grey zone in the near future. According to CTV News, if the modifications are authorized, people will once again have the opportunity to attend outdoor fitness classes as of March 29th, so long as it's with group of less than ten people. Eateries and bars operated by marinas and boating clubs in the grey zone are also slated to open their doors, with capacity restrictions in place.

Additionally, on April 12th, providers of aesthetic services including barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo parlours will be allowed to re-open. Services will be provided by appointment only, and establishments must operate at less than 25 percent capacity, or five customers at a time.  

While Ontario's grey zone will likely see the lifting of restrictions, Hamilton is moving in the opposite direction.  After a nearly trifold increase in cases, the city has been placed on lockdown once again in an attempt to slow the spread.

Residents of Eastern Ontario are in the same boat, as their region plans to move from orange level back to the more restrictive red.

As the number of cases across the province continues to rise, many have criticized the Ford government's decision to begin loosening restrictions.  In response, Premier Ford stated that, “We should all be on high alert. Absolutely high alert. But, you know, I'm going to be frank, people are tired. I'm telling you they're tired, they're exhausted out there, they need a little bit of fresh air, but please do so very carefully, that's all we're asking."

It has been suggested by many top officials that Ontario is currently experiencing a third wave, thanks in large part to the increased prevalence of new variants of the virus.  Thus, while more freedoms are being given across the province, restrictions can just as easily be re-instated.