List of New Restrictions in Ontario Effective Sunday, Dec 19, 2021

Ontario has announced new restrictions as the province reported 3,124 new COVID-19 cases today.

These measures follow the Ontario Science Table’s recommendation of “circuit breaker measures” to blunt the impact of rising cases and to prevent ICU occupancy from reaching unsustainable levels in early January.

Ontario is following similar restrictions like Quebec like limiting the indoor capacity of venues and shopping centres to 50 per cent, limiting the number of people to sit at a table to 10, requiring bars, restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs to close at 11 p.m, limiting indoor social gathering limit to 10 and outdoor limits to 25. These restrictions come into effect starting this Sunday.

“This was not an easy decision to make before the holidays, but the evidence is clear that further public health measures are required to slow the spread of Omicron and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we expand booster eligibility and continue our Team Ontario effort to get as many shots into arms as possible, I am urging every single person to get their vaccine if they haven’t already done so, and sign up for their booster shot as soon as possible.”

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List of New Restrictions in Ontario Effective Sunday, Dec 19, 2021

The restrictions will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021.

Private Gatherings

Indoor social gatherings reduced to 10
Outdoor gatherings reduced to 25.

Restrictions at Businesses

Capacity reduced to 50% in the following indoor public settings:

Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs;
Personal care services;
Personal physical fitness trainers;
Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies);
Shopping malls;
Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms);
Indoor recreational amenities;
Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities;
Tour and guide services; and
Photography studios and services; and
Marinas and boating clubs.

These limits do not apply to any portion of a business or place that is being used for a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite, or ceremony.

Businesses or facilities will also need to post a sign stating the capacity limits that are permitted in the establishment.

Additional Measures for Bars, Restaurants & Entertainment Venues:

The number of patrons permitted to sit at a table will be limited to 10 people and patrons will be required to remain seated in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.
Bars and restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs will be required to close by 11 p.m. Take out and delivery will be permitted beyond 11 p.m.
Dancing will not be allowed except for workers or performers.
Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at sporting events; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.
The sale of alcohol will be restricted after 10 p.m. and consumption of alcohol in businesses or settings after 11 p.m.

Ontario is also expanding the eligibility for a 3rd dose or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for all 18+ residents beginning this Monday, December 20th.

Free-of-charge rapid antigen test kits are available at malls, retail settings, holiday markets, public libraries, transit hubs, and at LCBOs.

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