Ontario's stay-at-home order lifted, most restrictions remain in place

Wednesday, June 2 will officially mark the end of Ontario's stay-at-home order. This means Ontarians are no longer restricted to only leaving their homes for reasons deemed essential like exercise, grocery shopping or seeking health care. However, most of the lockdown restrictions remain unchanged, including restrictions on gatherings, retail stores and dining.

Ontarians can now leave their homes to visit friends and family as long as the group remains less than five, unless they're all part of the same household. Those who live alone can visit with one other household. Indoor gatherings remain illegal.

A 25 percent capacity limit remains in effect for all stores deemed "essential" like grocery stores and convenience stores. "Non-essential" businesses remain closed. Personal care services like haircuts won't be accessible until step 2 of the reopening. Bars and restaurants also remain closed. The ban on evictions will expire today and sports and recreation remains mostly closed with the exception of golf courses and tennis courts.

Most of what is considered reopening will occur is "step 1" which is scheduled to begin June 14. Then non-essential shops can open, outdoor dining can resume, splash pads and pools will open, sports and outdoor training can start with a maximum of 10 people, and outdoor religious services can commence.