Ontario Government Announces New Covid Restrictions
The Ontario government just announced new restrictions aimed at containing the rapid increase in covid-19 cases.
The new restrictions are effective as of 12:01 .m. on October 10, 2020 and apply in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel. The restrictions are as follows:
● Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors, and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained.
● The following are ordered closed or prohibited:
○ Indoor gyms and fitness centres (i.e., exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms);
○ Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments;
○ Indoor cinemas;
○ Performing arts centres and venues;
○ Spectator areas in racing venues;
○ Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks, etc.;
○ Personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. makeup application, beard trimming)
● Real estate open houses are limited to 10 people indoors, provided social distancing can be maintained.
● Meeting and event spaces are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
● In-person teaching and instruction is limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, with exemptions for schools, child care centres, universities colleges of applied arts and technology, private career colleges.
The full impact of the new orders on condominiums will not be known until the Regulations are published. Based on the government’s announcement, however, it appears that the new closure orders will apply to condominium gyms and theatre rooms.
All condominium amenity areas such as meeting rooms and party rooms will be limited to 10 people indoor and 25 people outdoors, provided that social distancing can be maintained.