Capacity limits and other strengthened public health measures are back in effect today.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says it's to slow the highly transmissible variant Omicron to allow more times for shots to get into arms.
The changes that take effect today (Sunday, Dec. 19) are:
- Social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
- 50 per cent capacity limit for indoor public settings. These include restaurants, bars and strip clubs; personal care services; personal trainers; retailers, including grocery stores and pharmacies; shopping malls; gyms; indoor recreational amenities; indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities; tour and guide services; photography studios and services; and marinas and boating clubs. The limits don't apply to areas of the business being used for a wedding, funeral, or a religious service, rite or ceremony.
- Maximum of 10 people per table at restaurants or meeting and event spaces.
- No food or drink will be sold at sporting events, concerts, theatres, cinemas, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments.
- People are required to remain seated at restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.
- Dancing and singing are prohibited except for workers or performers.
- Alcohol sales will be restricted after 10 p.m.
Yesterday, a 50 per cent capacity limit was put back in at large venues that hold 1,000 people.
The province is also rolling out an accelerated COVID-19 vaccine booster plan. People 18 years and older who had their second dose at least three months (84 days) ago can book an appointment starting Monday, Dec. 20.