A full return to restaurants, gyms in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and rest of Ontario expected next week
Published October 14, 2021 at 10:20 am
Restaurant and gym operators in Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton and the rest of Ontario could get their wish as early as next week to have their businesses return to normal…or close to it.
Sources at Queen’s Park indicate Premier Doug Ford wants to loosen restrictions that are still in place at many businesses because of COVID-19.
Currently restaurants, bars and gyms are only allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity plus all regular masking, social distancing and proof of vaccination rules.
If the persistent rumours are true, Ford will lift the capacity limits, something business owners – and many local politicians – have been pushing for especially since Ontario allowed the broader re-opening of sporting events, concerts and movie theatres last week. All the other rules would remain in place.
“This is the right thing to do at this time,” a government source told insauga.com. “The Premier wants to make this happen. He knows how important it is to help businesses survive.”
While the pandemic certainly remains with us, case numbers of COVID-19 have been on the decline in Ontario during the past week and the vaccination rate continues to climb, both indicators that the government is ready to make the move, according to the source.
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As well, a broader re-opening of society could coincide with the launch next week of Ontario’s vaccination application that will make it easier for the public to prove vaccination status when entering a business or other establishments.
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