TORONTO — Ontario is imposing stricter measures in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region as COVID-19 numbers hit record highs last week. The measures, announced Friday, went into effect Saturday for a period of 28 days and include prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants and bars and closing gyms, movie theatres and casinos. The indoor-dining restriction applies to restaurants, bars and other food-and-drink establishments, including nightclubs and food courts in malls.
At the end of 28 days, the province’s health experts will review the measures. The government is also asking people in those areas to only leave their homes for essential purposes. Schools and child-care centres will remain open.
“All trends are going in the wrong direction,” said Premier Doug Ford at a news conference Friday, saying the pandemic has picked up speed at “an alarming rate.”
Other restrictions include:
• Personal care services where masks must be removed are prohibited
• team sports games and scrimmages are prohibited
• Capacity limits are reduced to 10 people indoors for tours, real-estate open houses and meeting and event spaces. Physical distancing must be maintained.
• Wedding receptions will be limited to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors effective Oct. 13
• Travel to other regions in the provinces should be limited (though there is no outright travel restriction in place)
