Toronto: Ontario government yesterday not only reduced the limit of people attending informal gatherings across the province, but also proposed a minimum fine of $10,000 for the organizer of such gatherings that surpass the set limits.
The move, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Measures Table, is reducing limits on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province. Earlier this week, the government imposed these restrictions in Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa, said a government statement.
“Over the past several days, we have seen an alarming growth in the number of Covid-19 cases in the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Clearly, the numbers are heading in the wrong direction. That’s why we are taking decisive action to lower the size of unmonitored private social gatherings in every region of Ontario. We need everyone to follow the public health rules in order to prevent another provincewide lockdown, and protect all our citizens, especially the elderly and the vulnerable.”
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:
- 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
- 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.
The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures for these businesses and facilities, continue to be in effect.
These new limits are effective immediately.
To support better compliance with public health guidelines, amendments to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to Covid-19) Act would, if passed, establish:
- A new offence regarding hosting or organizing a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds limits under an order.
- A minimum fine of $10,000 for organizers of these gatherings.
- Authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to prescribe additional types of premises for the purpose of the new offence.
- Authority for a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to order the temporary closure of a premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe that any gathering exceeding the number of people allowed is taking place and require individuals to leave the premises.
It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice. This includes:
- Staying home when ill, or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild symptoms;
- Practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at gatherings;
- Protecting your social circle;
- Wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so;
- Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and
- Adhering to gathering limits and rules.
For additional protection, the Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the new COVID Alert app on their smart phone from the Apple and Google Play app stores.
Steady rise
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer said the steady increase in Covid-19 cases over the past couple of weeks in Ontario, is cause for concern, and something that should not be taken lightly as we head into the colder months and flu season.
“We must continue to follow best public health practices as much as possible to mitigate the effects of another large spike in cases. Please respect the new social gathering limits. Stay home if you’re sick. Prioritize your trips out of the house. Wash your hands often. Wear a non-medical mask or face covering in all indoor, enclosed public spaces and maintain six feet of physical distance,” he said.
“Please remember—we all have a responsibility to one another as a community. The work you have all done so far has been amazing. Make informed decisions, and make sure you are always looking out for the health and safety of yourself, your family, and your neighbours,” Henry added.
Troubling
Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said the steady increase in cases – in Ajax and across the province – over the past couple of weeks is troubling.
“The Town is monitoring trends, reviewing our decision making and putting contingencies in place in order to ensure an agile and timely response. Following the province’s lead, we will not hesitate to scale back facility reopenings if numbers continue to rise,” he said.
“The pandemic is far from over. In order to stop the spread, we all need to be accountable to each other. We are in this together. Thank you for your cooperation,” he added.
With recent reports indicating Covid-19 cases are on the rise in Ontario and Durham Region, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter is urging community members to stop the spread of coronavirus by continuing to follow health authority guidelines and government orders.
In a video message to the community, Mayor Carter reminds everyone to wear a face mask or covering inside public spaces, maintain physical distancing of at least two metres (six feet) from others, limit social gatherings as per government orders and practise regular hand hygiene.
Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell, said: ““We all have a responsibility to work together to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and must all do our part to follow public health practices, like practicing safe physical distancing, wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible, sticking to social circles and the new gathering limits, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home if sick.
Taking these action will help protect the health and safety of all those in our town. Thank you to all Whitby residents for your ongoing cooperation during these unprecedented times.”
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Please tell me if we’re to social distance why does la villa spa in Oshawa on park rd allow people in and out all day and night( with might I add no shorter hrs) that’s not following rules.