The five levels of public health measures

  1. Prevent

  2. Protect

  3. Restrict

  4. Control

  5. Lockdown

COVID-19 levels by region

Find out which level your region is in. The changes marked with an asterisk (*) come into effect on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

Regions are based on public health unit boundaries. Find your public health unit.

In addition to the provincial health measures, some municipalities and local medical officers of health have added their own regional restrictions or requirements. Check your local public health unit or municipality's website for details using the links below. Links to public health units will direct you to separate websites.

Where there are regional restrictions or requirements, all provincial restrictions also apply.

Control (stringent measures) – red

Broader-scale measures and restrictions across multiple sectors to control transmission (return to modified Stage 2). Restrictions are the most severe available before widescale business or organizational closure. Learn about the public health measures for control (red).

Lockdown (maximum measures) – grey

Widescale measures and restrictions, including closures, to halt or interrupt transmission (modified Stage 1 or pre-Stage 1). Learn about the public health measures for lockdown (grey).

Public health measures in each level

Read the regulations for more details on each level:

General public health measures and advice for all levels

General advice

Follow public health advice:

  • stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
  • wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
  • cover your cough
  • download the COVID Alert mobile app
  • get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if you’ve been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app

Close contact, gatherings and events

Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with).

Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.

Maintain two metres of physical distancing from everyone else.

Virtual gatherings or events are the safest way to visit or recognize occasions with people outside your household.

Adhere to provincial and applicable local restrictions on public and private gatherings.

In control (red):

  • trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons (work, school, groceries/pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise and physical activity)
  • families should not visit any other household or allow visitors in their homes
  • everyone should avoid social gatherings
  • work remotely, where possible

In lockdown (grey):

  • trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons (work, school, groceries/pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise and physical activity)
  • no indoor organized public events and social gatherings are permitted, except with members of the same household
  • work remotely, where possible

Travel within Ontario

Individuals and families in higher transmission areas should avoid travel to lower transmission areas (for example, from red to orange, from yellow to green), except for essential reasons.

Inter-provincial travel

Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Individuals and families who consider travelling to another province for essential reasons during the holidays should:

  • consider the risk associated with travelling – this includes COVID-19 transmission in the other province, entry requirements (for example, quarantine) of some other provinces
  • self-quarantine, or drastically reduce close contact with others 10 to 14 days before travelling and after returning home, to help lower the risk of exposure to COVID-19
  • General (Ontario) public health advice, as well as any rules and regulations of the other province, should be followed

Public health advice, recommendations and instructions for businesses

Businesses or organizations must operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.

Check with your local public health unit for any additional advice, recommendations or instructions.

Screening

Businesses or organizations must operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals.

This includes:

  • Workplaces must screen any workers or essential visitors entering the work environment. See the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces for more information.
  • Some businesses or organizations must screen patrons. Where this is required, it is noted in subsequent sections below.

Personal protective equipment, including eye protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides protection of the eyes, nose and mouth, is required if a worker is required to come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering and not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.

Capacity limits

All businesses or facilities must limit capacity so that every member of the public is able to maintain two metres of physical distancing from every other person. Additional capacity limits apply for businesses or facilities in Lockdown.

Some businesses or facilities have additional capacity restrictions. Where additional capacity restrictions are in place, it is noted in the sections for each level below.

Cleaning and disinfection

Businesses or places that are open shall ensure that equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers that are accessible to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.

Face coverings

Wear a face covering indoors, outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained, or if wearing one is required.

This includes members of the public and workers in indoor public places and workplaces, with limited exceptions.

Safety plans

Safety plans are required in higher risk settings in Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict and Red-Control.

In lockdown (grey), all businesses and organizations permitted to be open must have a COVID-19 workplace safety plan.

Schools, childcare and post-secondary institutions

Schools, child care centres and post-secondary institutions remain open in all levels, subject to reopening plans and epidemiology of the virus.

In lockdown (grey), post-secondary institutions open for virtual instruction. In-person instruction is limited (e.g., clinical training, trades) and includes examinations. In-person cannot exceed 10 persons.

Prevent – green

Organized public events, social gatherings and religious services, rites and ceremonies

  • Limits for functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, barbeques or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, or parks:
    • 10 people indoors
    • 25 people outdoors
  • Limits for organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities:
    • 50 people indoors
    • 100 people outdoors
  • Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (apply regardless of the venue where held):
    • 30% capacity of the room indoors
    • 100 people outdoors

Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments

  • Require patrons to be seated; 2 metre minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables
  • Dancing, singing and performing music is permitted, with restrictions
  • Karaoke permitted, with restrictions (including no private rooms)
  • Require patron contact information for one patron per seated party
  • No buffet style service
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required
  • Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
  • Personal protective equipment, including eye protection, required worker must come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering
  • Night clubs only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

  • Maintain 2 metre physical distancing, unless engaged in a sport
  • Capacity limits:
    • 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors in classes
    • 50 people indoors in area with weights or exercise equipment
  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors or 100 outdoors
  • Capacity limits apply on a per-room basis if operating in compliance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Facilities for Sport and Recreational Fitness Activities During COVID-19)
  • Team or individual sports must be modified to avoid physical contact; 50 people per league
  • Exemption for high performance athletes and parasports
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public
  • Face coverings required except when exercising

Meeting and event spaces

  • Capacity limits:
    • 50 people indoors
    • 100 people outdoors
  • Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted
  • Maximum of 50 people per room indoors if venue operates in accordance with the approved plan from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Meeting and Event Facilities During COVID-19)
  • Exceptions for court and government services, weddings, funerals
  • Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services apply if held in meeting and event spaces:
    • 30% capacity of the room indoors
    • 100 people outdoors

Retail

  • Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metre distance and face covering required

Personal care services

  • Oxygen bars, steam rooms and saunas closed

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

  • Maximum of 50 people
  • Table games are prohibited
  • Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health

Cinemas

  • Maximum of 50 people indoors or 100 outdoors
  • 50 people per indoor auditorium if cinema operates in accordance with the approved plan from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Movie Theatres During COVID-19)
  • Face coverings except when eating or drinking only
  • Drive-in cinemas permitted to operate, subject to restrictions

Performing arts facilities

  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors and 100 spectators outdoors
  • Singers and players of wind or brass instruments must be separated from spectators by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
  • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
  • Drive-in performances permitted

Protect – yellow

Organized public events, social gatherings and religious services, rites and ceremonies

  • Limits for functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, barbeques or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, or parks:
    • 10 people indoors
    • 25 people outdoors
  • Limits for organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities:
    • 50 people indoors
    • 100 people outdoors
  • Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (apply regardless of the venue where held):
    • 30% capacity of the room indoors
    • 100 people outdoors

Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments

  • Require patrons to be seated; 2 metre minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables
  • Limit of 6 people may be seated together
  • Dancing, singing and performing music is permitted, with restrictions
  • Karaoke permitted, with restrictions (including no private rooms)
  • Require patron contact information for all seated patrons
  • No buffet style service
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required
  • Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
  • Personal protective equipment, including eye protection, required when a worker must come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering
  • Night clubs only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar
  • Establishments must be closed from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

  • Maintain 2 metre physical distancing, unless engaged in a sport
  • Capacity limits:
    • 10 people indoors per room or 25 people outdoors in classes
    • 50 people indoors in areas with weights or exercise equipment
  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors or and 100 outdoors
  • Capacity limits apply on a per-room basis if operating in compliance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Facilities for Sport and Recreational Fitness Activities During COVID-19)
  • Team or individual sports must be modified to avoid physical contact with an exemption for high performance athletes, including parasport athletes, and professional leagues; maximum 50 people per league
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public
  • Face coverings required except when exercising
  • Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres for areas of a sport or recreational facility where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
  • Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
  • Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams
  • A safety plan is required to the prepared and made available upon request

Meeting and event spaces

  • Capacity limits:
    • 50 people indoors
    • 100 people outdoors
    • exception for court and government services
    • religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services:
      •  30% capacity of the room indoors
      • 100 people outdoors
  • Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted
  • Maximum of 50 people per room indoors, where physical distancing can be maintained if venue operates in accordance with the approved plan from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Meeting and Event Facilities During COVID-19)
  • Establishments must be closed from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information for all seated patrons
  • Limit of 6 people may be seated together
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Retail

  • Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metre distance and face covering required
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • For malls, a safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Personal care services

  • Oxygen bars, steam rooms and saunas closed
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

  • Maximum of 50 people
  • Table games are prohibited
  • Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Cinemas

  • Maximum of 50 people indoors or 100 outdoors
  • 50 people indoors per indoor auditorium if cinema operates in accordance with the approved plan from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Guidance for Movie Theatres During COVID-19)
  • Face coverings except when eating or drinking only
  • Drive-in cinemas permitted to operate, subject to restrictions
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Performing arts facilities

  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors and 100 spectators outdoors
  • Singers and players of wind or brass instruments must be separated from spectators by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
  • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
  • Drive-in performances permitted
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Restrict – orange

Organized public events, social gatherings and religious services, rites and ceremonies

  • Limits for functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, barbeques or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, or parks:
    • 10 people indoors
    • 25 people outdoors
  • Limits for organized public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities:
    • 50 people indoors
    • 100 people outdoors
  • Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (apply regardless of the venue where held):
    • 30% capacity of the room indoors
    • 100 people outdoors

Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments

  • Maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors is 50; outdoor dining, takeout, drive through and delivery permitted
  • Require patrons to be seated; 2 metre minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables
  • Limit of 4 people may be seated together
  • Dancing, singing and performing music is permitted, with restrictions
  • Karaoke permitted, with restrictions (including no private rooms)
  • Require patron contact information for all seated patrons
  • No buffet style service
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required
  • Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
  • Personal protective equipment, including eye protection, required when is a worker must come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering
  • Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Limit volume of music (to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation)
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Night clubs and strip clubs only permitted to operate as a restaurant or bar
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

  • Maintain 2 metre physical distancing, unless engaged in a sport
  • Maximum of 50 people total in areas with weights and exercise machines and all classes
  • Maximum of 10 people per room indoors and 25 outdoors in fitness or exercise classes
  • No spectators permitted (exemption for parent and guardian supervision of children)
  • Team or individual sports must be modified to avoid physical contact with an exemption for high performance athletes, including parasport athletes, and professional leagues; maximum 50 people per league
  • Patrons may only be in the facility for 90 minutes except if engaging in a sport
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public
  • Face coverings required except when exercising
  • Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
  • Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
  • Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Meeting and event spaces

  • Maximum of 50 people indoors per facility
  • Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted
  • Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information for all seated patrons
  • Limit of 4 people may be seated together
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Retail

  • Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metre distance and face covering required
  • Limit volume of music to be no low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Requirement to maintain 2 metres while standing in line and flow management
  • For malls a safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Personal care services

  • Oxygen bars, steam rooms, saunas, bath houses and other adult venues, closed
  • Sensory deprivation pods closed (some exceptions)
  • Services requiring removal of face coverings prohibited
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

  • Maximum of 50 people
  • Table games are prohibited
  • Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Cinemas

  • Maximum of 50 people indoors per facility (revoke OCMOH approved plan)
  • Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Drive-in cinemas permitted to operate, subject to restrictions
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Performing arts facilities

  • Maximum of 50 spectators indoors and 100 spectators outdoors
  • Singers and players of wind or brass instruments must be separated from spectators by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier
  • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
  • Drive-in performances permitted
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Control – red

Organized public events, social gatherings and religious services, rites and ceremonies

  • Limits for all organized public events and social gatherings:
    • 5 people indoors
    • 25 people outdoors
  • Limits for religious services rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (apply regardless of the venue where held):
    • 30% capacity of the room indoors
    • 100 people outdoors

Restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments

  • Maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors is 10
  • Outdoor dining, take out, drive through, and delivery permitted, including alcohol
  • Require patrons to be seated; 2 metre minimum or impermeable barrier required between tables
  • Limit of 4 people may be seated together
  • Outdoor dining, take out, drive through and delivery permitted
  • Dancing, singing and the live performance of music is prohibited
  • Require contact information for all seated patrons
  • No buffet style service
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metres distance and face covering required
  • Face coverings required except when eating or drinking only
  • Personal protective equipment, including eye protection required when is a worker must come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering
  • Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • Night clubs and strip clubs only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

  • Gyms and fitness studios permitted to be open with maximum of:
    • 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in classes; and
    • 10 people indoors in areas with weights or exercise equipment
  • No spectators permitted (exemption for parent and guardian supervision of children)
  • Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres for areas of a sport or recreational facility where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
  • Team sports must not be practiced or played except for training (no games or scrimmage)
  • Activities that are likely to result in individuals coming within 2 metres of each other are not permitted; no contact permitted for team or individual sports, with an exemption for high performance, including parasport, athletes.
  • Patrons may only be in the facility for 90 minutes except if engaging in a sport
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible; measures to prevent shouting by both instructors and members of the public
  • Face coverings required except when exercising
  • Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
  • Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Meeting and event spaces

  • Maximum of 10 people per facility indoors or 25 outdoors
  • Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information for all seated patrons
  • Limit of 4 people may be seated together
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Retail

  • Fitting rooms must be limited to non-adjacent stalls
  • Line-ups and patrons congregating outside venues managed by venue; 2 metre distance required inside and outside; face covering also required while in line
  • Limit volume of music to be low enough that a normal conversation is possible
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • For malls:
    • Maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors in mall food court is 10
    • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Personal care services

  • Oxygen bars, steam rooms, saunas, bath houses and other adult venues, closed
  • Sensory deprivation pods closed (some exceptions)
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

  • Maximum of 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors
  • Table games are prohibited
  • Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Require contact information from all patrons
  • Screening of patrons is required, in accordance with instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Cinemas

  • Closed, except for:
    • drive-in cinemas
    • rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event, with restrictions:
      • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
      • Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Performing arts facilities

  • Closed to spectators
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
    • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
    • Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
  • Drive-in performances permitted
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Lockdown – grey

Proposed measures for lockdown (grey) are included below. These measures are subject to change in the final regulation.

Organized public events, social gatherings and religious services, rites and ceremonies

  • No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household
    • Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.
  • Limit for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings, physical distancing can be maintained:
    • 10 people outdoors
  • Limit for wedding services, funeral services and other religious services, rites or ceremonies where physical distancing can be maintained:
    • 10 people indoors
    • 10 people outdoors
  • Virtual and drive-in wedding services, funeral services and religious services, rites or ceremonies permitted

Restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments

  • Indoor and outdoor service prohibited
  • Take out, drive through and delivery permitted, including alcohol

Sports and recreational fitness facilities

  • Facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness activities are closed except for:
    • The sole use of high performance athletes including parasport athletes, and specified professional leagues (e.g., NHL, CFL, MLS, NBA)
    • Specified purposes (e.g., day camps, child care)
  • Outdoor recreational amenities (e.g., ice rinks, ski hills, snow trails) open with restrictions (e.g., no team sports)
  • Community centres and multi-purpose facilities (e.g., YMCA) allowed to be open for permitted activities (e.g., child care services, day camps, social services)

Meeting and event spaces

  • Closed with limited exceptions for:
    • child care and day camps for children
    • court services
    • government services
    • mental health and addiction support services (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) permitted to a maximum of 10 people
    • provision of social services

Retail

  • Retail generally permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only (in-person retail shopping not permitted) with some exceptions:
    • Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, other retailers selling groceries, beer and wine and liquor stores, pharmacies and safety supply stores permitted to be open for in-person shopping
    • 50% capacity limits where in-person shopping is permitted
    • Motor/recreational vehicle sales permitted to be open for in-person shopping by appointment only and other restrictions
    • Garden centres, plant nurseries: indoor by appointment. Permitted if public remains outdoors or by curbside pick-up or delivery
    • Outdoor markets, including farmer’s markets and holiday markets, permitted with restrictions
  • Retail outlets in malls permitted to be open for pick-up or delivery (in-person retail shopping not permitted)
    • Access to shopping malls for limited purposes, including access to businesses and organizations permitted to be open (e.g., pharmacy, dentist); food court open for take-away; malls may also establish designated pick-up points inside or adjacent to the mall
    • Subject to general rule for businesses that are open must maintain 2 metre distance while standing in line inside and outside

Personal care services

  • Closed

Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments

  • Closed

Cinemas

  • Closed, except for:
    • drive-in cinemas
    • rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event, with restrictions:
      • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
      • Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Performing arts facilities

  • Closed to spectators
  • Rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcasted event permitted
    • Performers and employees must maintain 2 metre physical distance except for purposes of the performance
    • Singers and players of brass or wind instruments must be separated from any other performers by plexiglass or other impermeable barrier
  • Drive-in performances permitted
  • A safety plan is required to be prepared and made available upon request

Amusement parks, water parks

  • Closed

Bathhouses and sex clubs

  • Closed

Boarding kennels and stables

  • Permitted to open for animal’s owner, or their representative, to visit the animal, assist in the care or feeding of the animal or, as applicable, ride the animal

Campgrounds

  • Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are used by individuals who are in need of housing, or are permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract
  • Only campsites with electricity, water service and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided for use
  • All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed
  • Short-term campground rentals that were reserved on or before November 22, 2020 are permitted; no new reservations after November 22, 2020 permitted, except for individuals who are in need of housing

Cannabis

  • Permitted by curb-side pick-up and delivery

Driving instruction

  • In-person driving instruction not permitted
  • Virtual permitted

Household services

  • Domestic and cleaning and maintenance services permitted, including:
    • housekeepers, cooks, maids and butlers
    • personal affairs management
    • nanny services and babysitters
    • other domestic personnel
    • house cleaning
    • indoor or outdoor painting
    • pool cleaning
    • general repairs
  • Outdoor cleaning and maintenance services permitted

Horse racing

  • Training only, no races
  • No spectators

Hotels, motels

  • Permitted to operate except for any pools, fitness centres, meeting rooms and other recreational facilities that may be part of the operations of these businesses

Libraries

  • Open for curbside, delivery and pick-up
  • Patrons permitted to enter libraries for contactless drop-off and pick-up, and to access computers, photocopiers, or similar services
  • May open for permitted services (e.g., day camp, child care services, mental health and addiction support services to a limit of 10 persons [AA meetings], provision of social services)
  • No classes

Marinas, boating clubs, golf courses and driving ranges

  • Marinas and boating clubs, clubhouses, restaurants, pools, meeting rooms, fitness centres or other recreational facilities on the premises closed to the public, with limited exceptions
  • Golf courses and driving ranges:
    • Outdoors permitted
    • Indoors closed
  • Indoor shooting ranges closed

Media industries

  • Film and television production, including all supporting activities such as hair, makeup and wardrobe, are permitted to open if they meet the following conditions:
    • No studio audiences may be permitted to be on the film or television set
    • The set must be configured and operated in such a way as to enable persons on the set to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from other persons, except where necessary for the filming of the film or television production
    • Persons who provide hair or makeup services must wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Film and television post-production, visual effects and animation studios are permitted
  • Book and periodical production, publishing and distribution businesses are permitted
  • Interactive digital media businesses, including computer system software or application developers and publishers, and video game developers and publishers are permitted

Motorsports

  • Closed

Museums and other cultural amenities (for example, art galleries, science centres)

  • Closed (indoors) to members of the public
  • Drive-in or drive through only

Nightclubs

  • Only permitted to open if they operate as a restaurant, bar, or other food and drink establishment (take-out, drive-through and delivery service only)

Personal services

  • In-person personal services not permitted, including:
    • personal shoppers
    • party and wedding planners
    • personal organizer services
    • personal physical fitness or sports trainers
    • house sitters

Photography studios and services

  • Commercial and industrial photography permitted
  • Retail photo studios closed

Real estate agencies (including pre-sale construction)

  • Permitted to operate; property showings by appointment only

Short-term rentals

  • Existing reservations as of November 22, 2020 honoured regardless of when the rental occurs
  • No new reservations after November 22, 2020 permitted, except for individuals who are in need of housing
  • This does not apply to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation, including student residences

Strip clubs

  • Only permitted to open if they operate as a restaurant, bar, or other food and drink establishment (take-out and delivery service only)

Tour and guide services

  • Closed

Animal services

  • Services that are permitted include:
    • Veterinary services and other businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters and research facilities
    • Businesses that provide services for the training and provision of service animals
    • Businesses that provide pet services, including pet grooming services, pet sitting services, pet walking services and pet training services

Zoos and aquariums

  • Closed (indoors) to members of the public
  • Permitted to operate for the care of animals
  • Drive-through events permitted
Updated: November 27, 2020
Published: November 3, 2020