As the province of Ontario has indicated a return to racing is possible once certain vaccination criteria is met, the province's harness racing industry is certainly doing its part to flatten the curve and help accelerate a return to safe racing.
In a recent poll posted by the Standardbred Canada website, 86 percent of respondents indicated that they had received one or both vaccinations, had an appointment pending to receive the vaccination, or planned to be vaccinated.
Results from the poll were gathered between May 5 and May 19, 2021. On May 20, the Province of Ontario indicated that outdoor horse racing would be permitted in Step 1 of the new three-phase approach to reopening the province.
Based on current trends in key health indicators, including the provincial vaccination rate, the government expects to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021. The province will confirm shifting to that phase closer to the expected start of Step One.
The provincewide emergency brake restrictions remain in effect while the province assesses when it will be moving to Step One of the roadmap with the Stay at Home order expiring on June 2, 2021. During this time, the government will continue to work with stakeholders on reopening plans to ensure full awareness of when and how they can begin to safely reopen.