PREMIER FORD says an upcoming election and protests in Ottawa and at Windsor border crossing had nothing to do with changing his mind about lifting limits. Globe and Mail photo.
Area residents and merchants are breathing a sigh of relief as a number of anti-pandemic policies are being lifted this week.
Starting on Thursday February 17 anti-COVID-19 capacity limits are being lifted in area bars, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, casinos, bingo halls, meeting spaces or convention centres and some other venues, according to the Ontario government.
“This is great news and a sign of just how far we’ve come together in our fight against the virus,” Premier Doug Ford said in a news conference at Queen’s Park. “While we aren’t out of the woods just yet we are moving in the right direction.”
TRUCKERS and others make their point as Windsor crossing was reopened by police. Courtesy photo.
The move is being applauded by many South Etobicoke struggling business owners who have been losing revenue and calling for an end of the limits.
The owner of a New Toronto clock store said she can now make plans and work to regain her customers who have been staying at home shopping online for goods, including fast food.
Ford said on February 14 at Queen’s Park that all social gathering limits will be increased to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. There will be a 50 people allowed at organized public events, with no limit outdoors.
He is also increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in high-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required, including nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, bathhouses and sex clubs.
THIS TRUCKER was not so lucky as he was arrested by police at the Windsor crossing. Courtesy photo.
Also being lifted is capacity limits for indoor weddings, funerals or religious services, rites or ceremonies to the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance. The limits are removed if the business use proof of vaccination or if the event is outdoors.
“Starting on March 1 Ontario intends to take additional steps to ease public health measures if public health and health system indicators continue to improve,” the Premier said. “This includes lifting capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings.”
He said Ontario will also lift proof of vaccination requirements for all settings at this time. Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination.
Ford said masking requirements will remain in place until early March, when a decision will be made on if their use will continue.
TRUCKERS have been protesting in Ottawa for almost a month.
“To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, public health units can deploy local and regional responses based on local context and conditions,” he said.
The province said limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.
Due to a steady decline in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions, on February 10 the government began a gradual and cautious resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures across the province.
Ontario is also expanding access to free rapid tests, with 5.5 million rapid tests to be distributed each week for eight weeks through pharmacies, grocery stores, and community partners in vulnerable communities.