Ontario government lockdown: What does it look like for affected regions?
The Ontario government has announced that starting Nov. 23, Toronto and Peel regions will be moving into COVID-19 lockdown.
Earlier this month, the province launched a new to assess the status of its health units, based on case numbers and trends, with lockdown being the final tier holding the tightest restrictions for regions.
Here’s what lockdown will look like
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 23, the two regions in lockdown will be required to adhere to the following restrictions:
• Indoor gatherings will not be permitted, except with members of one’s own household (those who live alone can chose to have contact with one other person).
• Outdoor gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of 10 people.
• Weddings, funerals, and other religious services will be restricted to 10 people indoors or 10 people outdoors (with physical distancing).
• Non-essential retail will remain open for curbside pick-up or delivery only. However, supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, liquor stores, safety supply stores and convenience stores will be able to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
• Dining establishments and bars will be open for takeout, drive-through and delivery only.
• Personal care services will be closed.
• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments will be closed.
• Indoor sports and recreational facilities will be closed (some exceptions may be made).
• Schools and daycares will remain open.
• Manufacturing, agriculture, supply chain and most construction will continue.
“Lockdowns are a difficult but necessary step to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and bend the curve in the number of new cases based on the recent data, and to protect the health and well-being of people and families in these communities,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said.
As Toronto and Peel are moving into lockdown, a number of other health units across the province will also be switching tiers on Monday. View our to see statuses for all regions.