On Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced his plans to gradually reopen, as the province is no longer in a state of emergency.
This news comes as a relief to small-business owners who can begin to reopen their doors to customers. The stay-at-home order will remain in effect in Toronto, York Region and Peel Region until at least Feb.
22. Ontario begins phased reopening Wednesday, majority of regions to remain in lockdown Financial expert Rubina Ahmed-Haq says reopening small businesses will be a slow process, especially since consumer shopping habits have changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
She adds that many people are now shopping online and at big box stores. “Hearts and minds of customers have changed,” she says, adding.