Ford to announce reopening plan for Ontario restaurants on Thursday

CTV News reported that restrictions will loosen on January 31. The source said that measures would lift "gradually," though no news has been announced for gyms and theatres.

Plans for a full-on reopening are set for March, sources say.

The province was moved back to what was called a "modified" Step 2 on January 5 due to rising cases caused by Omicron. This closed restaurants, dining rooms, theatres, gyms, and limits on private gatherings.

Ford said on Wednesday that positive news was on the way, saying: "It is going to be a positive announcement that we make this week and I look forward to it. Nobody dislikes the shutdowns more than I do. I actually despise them but in saying that health is a priority and I follow the guidelines of the chief medical officer. But we look forward to having a good announcement for restaurants and gyms and other folks who have been closed."

Hospitalizations in the province have been slowing and are expected to peak, as fewer and fewer patients require intensive care, despite higher transmission rates.