The LocalSKIM for Friday, July 9 – Local Skim St. Catharines

Ontario will move to Step 3 of the province’s reopening plan next Friday, July 16, five days earlier than planned. Moving to Step 3 will allow for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings as well as indoor dining at restaurants. (CBC News)
Niagara’s unemployment rate increased from 10.8% in May to 11.5% in June, while the national unemployment rate decreased from the previous month to 7.8%. (610 CKTB)
Several Regional councillors slammed Dr. Mustafa Hirji for his comments to the media that the border should remained closed this summer. Some councillors claimed that Hirji, who is Niagara’s acting medical officer of health, was outside of his jurisdiction despite the fact that Hirji’s comments were related to the health risks of reopening the border. (St. Catharines Standard)