(Reuters)

Ontario will commence loosening COVID-19 restrictions starting June 11, three days ahead of schedule, announced Premier Doug Ford on Monday (June 7).

The change comes as infection rates continue to drift lower after a punishing third wave while vaccinations have picked up the pace.

The province will enter step one of its reopening plan, allowing non-essential retail to operate at 15 per cent capacity, outdoor dining with a maximum of four people per table, and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people to take place.

Canada’s most populous province entered a lockdown in April as a variant-driven third wave of COVID-19 threatened to overwhelm hospitals.

Although cases have been falling in recent weeks, experts recommended keeping restrictions in place until June 14 to prevent a fourth wave.

The province hit key metrics ahead of schedule, hence the earlier reopening date, the statement from the premier’s office said, including a vaccination rate of 60 per cent – with 72 per cent of eligible adults receiving at least one vaccine dose.

According to the statement, step one of the reopening plan will last at least 21 days.