COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus)

Social Circles, Gatherings, and Physical Distancing

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New Changes to Social Circles – Effective October 3rd

Note: This page will be updated as more details become available

Effective Saturday, October 3rd, the Government of Ontario has requested a pause on social circles. The province is advising all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household. 

For additional information please read the provincial announcement.

Prevent the Spread

New Limits for Unmonitored Gatherings- Effective Sept. 19th

The Ontario government limited the size of unmonitored and private social gatherings across the province. New limits for unmonitored private social gatherings:

  • 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. For additional information, visit the provincial reopening website.

Monitored gatherings may continue to operate at the initial Stage 3 gathering limits.

  • Indoor monitored gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people
  • Outdoor monitored gatherings are limited to a maximum of 100 people
  • See FAQs for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When do gathering limits apply?

• All social gatherings and events, as well as some higher risk activities and venues. 

Where do the new (unmonitored) gathering limits apply?

The new gathering limits apply to social gatherings in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. This includes:
• functions
• parties
• dinners
• gatherings
• barbecues
• wedding receptions

Where do the new (unmonitored) gathering limits NOT apply?

The new limits do not apply to events or gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities because they must already follow specific public health and safety guidelines to minimize risk and limit the spread of COVID-19. They include:
• bars
• restaurants
• cinemas
• convention centres or banquet halls
• gyms
• recreational sporting or performing art events
• religious services, rites or ceremonies

Monitored gatherings may continue to operate at the initial Stage 3 gathering limits:
• Indoor monitored gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people
• Outdoor monitored gatherings are limited to a maximum of 100 people

Are there any exceptions to gatherings?

• Gathering limits do not apply to select settings such as restaurants and bars, but measures to enable physical distancing may limit capacity at any given time. 
• Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, and wedding ceremonies or funeral services, can continue to operate at 30 per cent room capacity 
• This web page provides general guidance on gathering restrictions. For additional details, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages#gathering-changes

How to determine the number of people allowed to gather:

• People at their place of work, including performers and crews, do not count towards gathering limits. 
• Indoor gathering limits apply to events that are fully or partially indoors. Indoor events and gatherings cannot be combined with an outdoor event or gathering to increase the applicable gathering size.

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