By Haldimand Press staff
February 17 to see capacity limits increased
HALDIMAND—On Monday, February 14, 2022 Premier Doug Ford announced the imminent removal of Ontario’s vaccine passport system, which has restricted unvaccinated Canadians from participating in a number of non-essential activities, in addition to the removal of indoor capacity restrictions starting on March 1.
“We’re able to take this step now because of each and every one of you, because of our nurses, our doctors, hospital workers, because of every single person who volunteered in a vaccine clinic, and every single person who played a part in this fight,” said Ford during his press conference, adding that the Province is moving forward because it is “safe to do so.”
As of February 17, capacity limits for social gatherings rose to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, with capacity limits removed at most indoor environments that require proof of vaccination to enter, including restaurants, gyms, meeting and event spaces, and gaming establishments.
Capacity at larger scale venues such as movie theatres, sports arenas, and concert venues will remain capped at 50% until March 1. Additionally, for higher-risk environments, such as bathhouses, sex clubs, and restaurants with dancing, capacity will remain at 25% until March 1.
For religious services, capacity limits have been removed in any venue with vaccine requirements, while any venue that foregoes those requirements may admit as many people as can fit while observing physical distancing.
“This is great news and a sign of just how far we’ve come together in our fight against the virus. While we aren’t out of the woods just yet, we are moving in the right direction,” said Ford.
Essential businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores, will remain capped to the number of people who can maintain two metres of distance for now. Those restrictions will be lifted on March 1.
Despite the loosening of restrictions, vaccine requirements will remain in place for employees of long-term care and health care facilities for the time being, with no announcement related to the possibility of such requirements being removed as of publication.
Another restriction remaining in place is sure to ruffle some feathers for those protesting to end all mandates, with the government stating that masking requirements are here to stay for the time being. Their eventual removal is coming at an unspecified “later date” according to Ford.
Ford was also quick to point out that should numbers start trending in the wrong direction again, these relaxed measures would need to be re-evaluated.
He also asserted that the new approach to managing COVID is not a response to political pressure or the ongoing protests in Ottawa and around the country.
“We’re going to make sure that we get back to normal as quickly as possible. Again, despite the occupations, we’re going to continue focusing on making sure that we have a safe environment for companies to do business and trade here in Ontario.”
