The Province Limits The Size Of Unmonitored And Private Social Gatherings Across Ontario

Saturday, 19 September 2020 11:20

Effective immediately, only 10 people are allowed to attend indoor private and unmonitored social gatherings and only 25 people will be allowed to be at outdoor private and unmonitored social gatherings.

ONTARIO - The provincial government is reducing the number of people allowed at unmonitored events and private social gatherings.

The decision was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table.

Effective immediately, only 10 people are allowed to attend indoor private and unmonitored gatherings and only 25 people are allowed to be at outdoor private and unmonitored social gatherings. The previous limit on these functions were 50 people and 100 people respectively.

Premier Doug Ford says they need everyone to follow public health rules and protect one another.

"Over the past several days, we have seen an alarming growth in the number of COVID-19 cases in the province. Clearly, the numbers are heading in the wrong direction. That's why we are taking decisive action to lower the size of unmonitored private social gatherings in every region of Ontario. We need everyone to follow the public health rules in order to prevent another provincewide lockdown, and protect all our citizens, especially the elderly and the vulnerable."

Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private homes, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.

You cannot put indoor and outdoor events together. A gathering of 35 people with ten of them indoors and 25 of them outdoors is not allowed.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliot says the decision comes as they try to lower the spread of the virus.

"We are taking further action to slow the spread and limit new cases of COVID-19 by reducing the size of private social gatherings across Ontario. This action is based on the increasing case counts that we are seeing. As we continue to closely monitor the spread of this virus, we will never hesitate to take further action to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians."

The new limits won't apply to events or gatherings held in bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events. Public health and workplace safety measures for these businesses and facilities remain in effect.