What’s changing under Ontario’s four-week ‘shutdown’

Ontario is going into a provincewide “shutdown” starting Saturday, with stricter measures imposed for at least four weeks. Here are some of the changes set to take effect in all 34 of the province’s public health units:

– Indoor public events and social gatherings are prohibited, except for those in the same household. People who live alone can be in close contact with one other household.

– Outdoor public events and social gatherings are limited to five people, except for those in the same household. People who live alone can be in close contact with one other household.

– Supermarkets, grocery stores and other stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, are limited to 50 per cent capacity.

– All other retail stores, including big-box stores, are limited to 25 per cent capacity.

– Indoor and outdoor dining are barred at restaurants, which can only provide takeout, delivery and drive-through service.

– Personal care services are prohibited, and indoor or outdoor fitness/sports facilities such as gyms are closed, with very limited exceptions.

– Day camps are closed.

– Weddings, funerals, religious services or ceremonies are capped at 15 per cent capacity per room indoors, and to the number of people who can maintain two metres of distance outdoors. This does not include receptions linked to those events, which must abide by the restrictions on social gatherings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2021.

The Canadian Press