Province easing some health measures

By Mark Ribble

ONTARIO — With encouraging numbers starting to trend in the right direction regarding COVID infections and hospitalizations, Premier Doug Ford announced last week that certain health measures that took effect on January 5 will be eased next Monday.

“The evidence tells us that the measures we put in place to blunt transmission of Omicron are working,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We can be confident that the worst is behind us and that we are now in a position to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures. While February will continue to present its own challenges, given current trends these are challenges we are confident we can manage.”

A further easing is expected on February 21, with another easing on March 14, provided numbers have not soared out of control by either of those dates.

Beginning Monday, January 31, Ontarians can expect an increase in social gathering limits from five indoors to 10, while outdoors, the number increases to 25 people.

A 50 per cent capacity limit will be set on restaurants and bars as they open up for indoor patrons.

Retailers will also be able to operate under a 50 per cent capacity limit, as well as shopping malls, cinemas and meeting places.

Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational facilities, including gyms, will also be allowed to have up to 50 per cent capacity.

Amusement parks and water parks can open where weather permits, while museums, galleries, zoos and other attractions can also open within the 50 per cent limit.

Casinos and bingo halls, as well as religious services can also open to half-capacity.

Enhanced proof of vaccination is still required in the places that it was before the holidays.

For a complete list of restrictions and what’s being lifted across the province, visit ontario.ca.