COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario are loosening today (Jan. 31).
After more than three weeks of public health restrictions that closed indoor dining and gyms, the gradual reopening is underway. There are three phases to the plan unveiled by Premier Doug Ford earlier this month.
Today, social gathering sizes increase to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoor.
Indoor dining and gyms can reopen with 50 per cent capacity. Other businesses that can reopen or increase capacity to 50 per cent are bars without dance facilities, retailers, shopping malls, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, recreational amenities, museums and attractions, casinos and bingo halls, religious services, rites and ceremonies.
At arenas, theatres and concert venues, the capacity is capped at 500 people or 50 per cent, whichever is less.
Some non-urgent surgeries that were paused earlier this month are also starting to resume today.
Proof of vaccination using the digital certificate is still required at certain high-risk indoor settings.
Each phase lasts at least 21 days. Restrictions are expected to further loosen on Feb. 21.
