Ontario Announces New COVID-19 Restrictions

In a press conference Friday afternoon, Premier Doug Ford and Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, announced additional restrictions to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario. In particular, there is much continued concern around the Omicron variant.

Premier Ford said that the province has not made a decision for returning to school in January. He said, "We are simply not in a position to say."

Effective Sunday, December 19 at 12:01 AM, the following restrictions will be in effect:

• Indoor gatherings are restricted to 10 people or less

• Outdoor gatherings are restricted to 25 people or less

A 50% capacity limit will be placed on the following services:

• Restaurants

• Bars

• Strip Clubs

• Gyms

• Personal Care Services

• Shopping Malls

• Pharmacies

• Grocery Stores

• Indoor recreational amenities

• Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities

• Tour and guide services

• Photography studios and services

• Marinas and boating clubs

In addition:

• Limit of 10 people per table at bars and restaurants

• Restaurants, Bars, Meeting Spaces, Event Spaces and Strip Clubs must be closed by 11 PM. Take-Out and Delivery will be permitted beyond 11 PM.

• Dancing is not allowed at bars

• Alcohol must not be served after 10 PM and not sold after 11 PM

• Provincial Civil Servants are now to work from home until March 31, 2022.

Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at the following:

• Sporting events

• Concert venues

• Theatres and cinemas

• casinos

• Bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Horse racing tracks

• Car racing tracks and other similar venues

More details are available here.