The Ontario Government is finally lifting some of the province’s COVID-19 restrictions, a few days ahead of schedule.
Effective today, Ontario is increasing social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, removing capacity limits in restaurants, bars and gyms, will allow 50 per cent capacity at sporting arenas and concert venues and increasing capacity limits for weddings, funerals and religious services.
As well, the province says capacity limits in indoor public settings like grocery stores, pharmacies, retail settings and shopping malls will all be increased to the maximum number of people who can maintain a two-metre distance.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the restriction changes on Valentine’s Day, as Step two of the province’s reopening plan originally wasn’t set to take effect until February 21.
“Given how well Ontario has done in the Omicron wave we are able to fast track our reopening plan,” said Ford. “This is great news and a sign of just how far we've come together in our fight against the virus. While we aren’t out of the woods just yet we are moving in the right direction.”
Step three of the province’s reopening plan is now set for March 1, after originally being scheduled for March 14. Ontario says they’ll remove all capacity limits in indoor settings and proof-of-vaccination requirements will be lifted.
There’s still no timeline on when masking will be removed, but Ontario says a plan will be coming soon.
As well, Ontario is expanding booster dose eligibility for youth aged 12 to 17 on Friday. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be booked for approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose.