Capacity limits at gyms and restaurants are being lifted today (Feb. 17) as Ontario speeds up its reopening.
This week, Premier Doug Ford announced the province is moving to the second phase of easing public-health measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 earlier than expected. He also intends to scrap the vaccine passport on March 1.
The restrictions being relaxed today include:
- Social gathering limits increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
- Organized public events increase to 50 people indoors and no limit outdoors.
- Capacity limits lift in certain indoor public spaces that require proof of vaccination including restaurants and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities, gyms, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments, indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.
- The seating capacity at sporting events, concert venues and theatres is capped at 50 per cent.
- A 25 per cent capacity limit for nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, bathhouses and sex clubs.
- Capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites or ceremonies are capped at the number of people who can maintain a two-metre distance. There are no limits if the location opts into proof of vaccination or if the service is outside.
As of Friday, Feb. 18, young people aged 12 to 17 years old who received their second dose at least 168 days ago will also be eligible for a booster dose.
Vaccinations are also available by appointment or walk-in at local health unit community clinics for first and second doses for anyone five years and older, and booster doses for individuals 18 years or older who received their second dose at least 84 days ago.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reminds residents of the importance of continuing to follow public-health preventive measures.
“Although transmission has been declining, we still have very high rates of COVID-19 transmission in our communities, and preventive measures are still needed to protect people,” said local medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner. “As restrictions begin to ease across Simcoe-Muskoka and interactions increase, it is more important than ever that all individuals eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine get theirs as soon as possible. Vaccination, including a booster dose, helps reduce a person’s risk for severe illness and chance of requiring hospitalization if they become infected with COVID-19, especially for those 50 years and older.
“It is also essential that everyone continue to follow basic public health prevention measures to slow the transmission of COVID-19, including staying home when feeling ill, maintaining a physical distance of at least 2 metres from those living outside of your household, wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, covering your cough, and washing your hands regularly,” Gardner added.
To learn more about COVID-19, vaccines and current public health safety measures and requirements, click here.
