Locally, there has been a decrease of new reported cases of Covid-19 over the last few days, which is a result of everyone’s efforts to get vaccinated and work together to follow public health measures, according to Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
“With your ongoing cooperation and improving trends, it is hoped that the province will be able to lift remaining public health restrictions over the next several months,” he said.
Durham Health Department has developed several resources available on the Covid-19 Guidance and Advice for Businesses and Organizations web page to help business owners and operators understand how this announcement impacts them.
Residents can refer to the updated Step 3 measures and requirements, Frequently Asked Questions, and sector specific advice and guidance. It is important to remember that lifting capacity limits will depend on the type of establishment and whether proof of vaccination is required. Public health measures such as wearing a mask or face covering in indoor public settings and workplaces, screening of patrons and preparing a safety plan all remain in place, said Dr. Kyle.
Effective October 25, 2021 at 12:01 am, the province lifted capacity limits in most settings where proof of vaccination is required including, but not limited to:
- Restaurants;
- Bars;
- Indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities such as gyms and where personal physical fitness trainers provide instruction;
- Casinos; and
- Indoor meeting and event spaces.
Other establishments are also permitted to lift capacity limits and physical distancing requirements if they choose to require proof of vaccination. Some of these establishments include:
- Personal care services settings;
- Museums, galleries, zoos, and similar attractions;
- Indoor areas of amusement parks, fairs, and festivals;
- Indoor areas of photography studios and services;
- Open house events provided by real estate agencies; and
- Locations where weddings, funerals or religious services, rites or ceremonies take place.
This is positive news for local business owners, operators, and patrons. Residents can refer to the provincial government’s plan to safely reopen Ontario and manage Covid-19 for the long-term for further information, Dr. Kyle said.
He said the province’s plan to reopen Ontario is guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators. Residents can monitor local results of key public health indicators such as virus spread and containment, health system capacity, and laboratory testing on the Covid-19 Data Tracker.