Full houses at the movies, concerts and stadiums can take place again in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and Oshawa but restaurants still face restrictions

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Published October 8, 2021 at 7:21 pm

Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and Oshawa residents can return to full movie theatres, concert halls and sports stadiums beginning this weekend now that the Ontario government has lifted the capacity restrictions on these venues because of COVID-19…but the rules surrounding restaurants and gyms remain in place.

“As we continue to see more Ontarians roll up their sleeves with over 22 million doses administered, our government is cautiously lifting capacity limits in select settings where we know proof of vaccination requirements are providing an added layer of protection to Ontarians,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The fight against COVID-19 is not over and we must all remain vigilant by continuing to follow the public health measures we know work and keep us safe, and receiving your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already done so.”

This means that starting tomorrow, limits will be lifted to allow 100 per cent capacity in the following settings:

  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas;
  • Spectator areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness (would not include gyms, personal training);
  • Meeting and event spaces (indoor meeting and event spaces will still need to limit capacity to the number that can maintain physical distancing);
  • Horseracing tracks, car racing tracks, and other similar venues; and
  • Commercial film and television productions with studio audiences.

Proof of vaccination will still be required as will the wearing of masks and social distancing.

Since the pandemic began, there have been various restrictions placed on traditional public gather spots including outright bans and closures in the beginning to 50 per cent capacity most recently.

And while today’s announcement appears to be welcome news to most, many are still angered that restaurants and gyms are still not able to return to normal and will remain at 50 per cent capacity.

Queen’s Park says it’s not ready for a full-blown re-opening of society because COVID is still with us and that some rules still must be followed.

A spokesperson for the Province says the change in policy for movies, sports and concerts is because there have been a limited number of outbreaks in these settings.

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