Stage 3 COVID-19 recovery starts Friday in Ontario

ONTARIO – On Monday, June 13, Premier Doug Ford announced that most of Ontario, including Ottawa, will be able move into Stage 3 re-opening as of Friday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m. 

Nearly all businesses and public spaces will be able to gradually re-open in Stage 3, with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place

Indoor gatherings will increase to a maximum of 50 people, and outdoor gathering limits will be increased to a maximum of 100 people. People at their places of work do not count towards gathering limits. Physical distancing will remain a requirement for all people who are not from the same household or social circle.

Businesses and sectors unable to open or facing significant difficulties in operating under Stage 3 restrictions can go to ontario.ca/reopen to work with the province on a reopening plan.

Social circles are still to be kept at 10 people. Playgrounds and play structures are permitted to reopen.

Recreational courses and instruction can happen (this includes music lessons, language classes, tutoring, art classes, etc.).

All restaurants, bars, concession stands and other food and drink establishments can open for indoor dining.

Amateur and recreational sports leagues may resume so long as they do not allow prolonged or deliberate physical contact between players or if they have modifications to avoid physical contact between players. Leagues must contain no more than 50 participants total. All spectators at sporting events will be subject to gathering limits and physical distancing measures with assigned seating where possible.

Indoor recreational activities can open in Stage 3 (this includes things like arcade rooms, escape rooms, bowling alleys, pool halls, etc.).

Some high-risk places and activities are not safe to open yet due to the increased possibility of large crowds, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Businesses that will remain closed include:  

• Amusement parks and water parks 
• Buffet-style food services 
• Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements 
• Overnight stays at camps for children 
• Private karaoke rooms
• Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports 
• Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, and oxygen bars 
• Table games at casinos and gaming establishments

Click here to read in detail the province’s Stage 3 reopening framework.