Urgent Call for Action in Ontario

Friday, 17 December 2021 16:17

New measures announced today include 50% capacity limits for most indoor settings in Ontario and gathering limits indoors will be capped at 10 people.

The Premier announced strict new COVID-19 measures today as the Province gets hit hard by the Omicron variant.

Doug Ford says they did not take these decisions lightly.

"Throughout this entire pandemic, we’ve never faced an enemy like Omicron given how quickly it spreads. We need to do everything we can to slow its spread as we continue to dramatically ramp up capacity to get as many booster shots into arms as possible. Doing so is the best way to safeguard our hospital and intensive care units."

Ford says when you look at what is happening in the United Kingdom with the spread of Omicron, it became clear the Province needed to act now. One thing that will not be decided now is what to do with schools. Ford says he understands parents are frustrated and nervous about what might be coming, however he is not ready to make a decision on schools returning in January.

A 50 percent capacity limit will be required at the following indoor settings in Ontario starting on Sunday:

- Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs;
- Personal care services;
- Personal physical fitness trainers;
- Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies);
- Shopping malls;
- Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms);
- Indoor recreational amenities;
- Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities;
- Tour and guide services; and
- Photography studios and services; and
- Marinas and boating clubs.

Indoor gathering limits will be maxed at 10 people and the Province is also implementing the following restrictions:

- The number of patrons permitted to sit at a table will be limited to 10 people and patrons will be required to remain seated in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.
- Bars and restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs will be required to close by 11 p.m. Take out and delivery will be permitted beyond 11 p.m.
- Dancing will not be allowed except for workers or performers.
- Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at sporting events; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.
- The sale of alcohol will be restricted after 10 p.m. and consumption of alcohol in businesses or settings after 11 p.m.