No pain, no gain
The premier was asked when Ontarians could go back to the gym or yoga studio, as case numbers have continued to decline and fitness facilities have reopened in some jurisdictions beyond Ontario.
But Premier Doug Ford insisted a more cautious and prudent approach was the correct path. "We want to make sure that numbers continue to decline," he said at his daily press availability. "Since it's going to be the last stage, we want to make sure again our t's are crossed, our i's are dotted, and make sure everyone's safe and they'll be able to move forward on other areas of the economy," the premier added.
He declined to put a timetable on when phase three could begin.
"I just don't have the crystal ball. I can't give you an exact date," he responded, declining to go into Kreskin territory. But he gave an indication of what he would like to do when public health restrictions are lifted, and that's decreasing regulations in an effort to boost the economy. "Open up safely, cautiously and then, when everyone opens up we're gonna go full-steam ahead on the economy by cutting red-tape regulations, making sure there's incentives to continue moving forward and being competitive in the global market."
The premier also indicated that a phase three reopening will be fairly broad, and that only large crowds will be strictly prohibited. "Everything except large, large venues — be it the Blue Jays game, we can't have 50,000 people; rock concerts, any concerts, a hockey game, so on so forth. But most [of] all businesses will be able to reopen."
Safety first 
Premier Ford used his daily presser to tout an announcement about a new safety program. "We are providing free health and safety training online for the first time ever," he said Friday afternoon alongside Labour Minister Monte McNaughton.
"This virtual approach to safety training will ensure employers and employees have access to the latest information without the need to physically interact with others. In this way, we also reduce the risk of spreading this deadly virus," he added.
McNaughton explained that the training will instruct workers on how to prevent trips and falls, ladder safety and infection control.
Additionally, the 10 online courses will be available for free to up to 100,000 job seekers for the first time, part of an effort to get them trained and ready for their next job. "This is the first time this type of online safety training has been made available at no cost to people who have lost their jobs and I am confident it will be an effective way to prepare people to rejoin the workforce safely," said the labour minister.
Canadian military wraps up long-term care mission
Premier Ford offered his gratitude to Canadian military personnel who wrapped up their mission at long-term care homes in Ontario today.
"I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping us out through this very difficult time," said Ford. "These are heroes that walk among us. We are so so grateful for everything you’ve done."
Several long-term care homes in the province have been hit hard by COVID-19, with staffing shortages and the rapid spread of the coronavirus through these settings prompting the government to call in help in April.
The Canadian Armed Forces teams, which included nurses, medical technicians and other personnel, were deployed to several homes: Orchard Villa, Holland Christian Homes Grace Manor, Altamont Care Community, Eatonville Care Centre, Hawthorne Place Care Centre, Downsview Long Term Care, and Woodbridge Vista Care Community.
The military personnel also drafted a scathing report that was made public in May and detailed their horrific findings of abuse, neglect, improper infection control practices and staffing shortages inside some of the homes.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care said it has been addressing these issues by sending inspectors to homes identified as "high-risk" and assigning temporary management to nearly 10 homes.
The government has announced that a commission into Ontario's long-term care system will launch in July, but details are still pending.

COVID-19 Roundup: The premier hints at what stage three will look like

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