Continuing Improvements to Key Public Health Indicators Allow for Easing of Public Health Measures
Even as more provincial COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in coming days, residents are being asked to keep up the “tried-and-true prevention efforts” that continue to work.
As of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 17, the Ontario government is increasing the size of social gatherings and easing capacity limits in most businesses. By March 1, all indoor capacity limits will be removed, as will the requirement to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain businesses. These changes come in the wake of improving COVID-19 vaccination numbers, including a drop in virus-related hospitalizations and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions.
“We’ve made so much progress to date, and this is a credit to everyone for doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, with the HKPR District Health Unit. “We are all happy to see the restrictions gradually ease, and although difficult and frustrating for so many, the control measures have saved lives and ensured our health care system did not get overwhelmed during the Omicron wave.”
Even as more restrictions lift, Dr. Bocking asks people not to lose sight of what has been accomplished, so as to avoid a return of more preventive measures. “COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere, so that means we have to stick to the tried-and-true prevention efforts that have served us well over the pandemic,” she notes.
Getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, staying home if sick, washing hands often with soap and water, and physically distancing when needed still matter even as more things return to normal.
On that front, some of the key COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in Ontario on February 17 include:
Limits for private social gatherings increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Up to 50 people will be allowed indoors at organized public events.
All indoor capacity limits will be removed in restaurants/bars, gyms/fitness clubs, movie theatres, racing venues, meeting/event spaces and casinos/bingo halls. Proof of vaccination will still be required to enter these businesses until March 1.
The 500-person cap on indoor spectators is removed, meaning arenas, concert venues and theatres can now operate at 50% of their usual seating capacity. Proof of vaccination is required for now, until March 1.
Capacity for indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies is limited to the number of attendees who can maintain 2 metres physical distance (no limit if proof of vaccination is required).
Capacity limits go up to 25% for nightclubs, bars and other public settings with dance facilities.
Indoor capacity for grocery stores, pharmacies, retailers, malls and personal care services is limited to the number of people who can maintain 2 metres physical distancing
As of Tuesday, March 1, all indoor capacity limits will be removed in public settings. Proof of vaccination will also no longer be required to enter places, although businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination if they want. Vaccine mandates may also still apply in certain high-risk settings.
Masking requirements will remain in place at this time, although the Ontario government indicates more details about when they could be lifted will be provided in the near future.
