Warning the alarm bells are ringing, Premier Doug Ford this morning (Saturday) announced reduced limits effective immediately on the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored and private social gatherings across the entire province.
The new limits are in effect for 28 days. Premier Doug Ford is also clamping down on the organizers of such events who fail to abide by the limits.
Ford stressed these fines do not apply to events held in staffed facilities such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events.
Here are the full details associated with today’s announcement:
Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.
The new limit on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering across the province is:
10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. Gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.
“We are taking further action to slow the spread and limit new cases of COVID-19 by reducing the size of private social gatherings across Ontario. This action is based on the increasing case counts that we are seeing,” said Minister Elliott. “As we continue to closely monitor the spread of this virus, we will never hesitate to take further action to protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.”
The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures for these businesses and facilities, continue to be in effect.
These new limits are effective immediately.
To support better compliance with public health guidelines, amendments to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act would, if passed, establish:
A new offence regarding hosting or organizing a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds limits under an order.
A minimum fine of $10,000 for organizers of these gatherings.
Authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to prescribe additional types of premises for the purpose of the new offence.
Authority for a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to order the temporary closure of a premises where there are reasonable grounds to believe that any gathering exceeding the number of people allowed is taking place and require individuals to leave the premises.
