Toronto, Peel Region join most of Ontario in Stage 3 of reopening today

It almost feels like normal again, as Toronto joins most of Ontario in the next phase of reopening. Mark McAllister with the daily life changes under Stage 3, and what you still can’t do in the city.

By The Canadian Press

People in Toronto and Peel Region can eat inside a restaurant and catch a movie in a theatre starting today, though they still have to follow physical distancing rules and other health measures.

The two areas are joining most of Ontario in Stage 3 of its economic recovery, which allows most businesses and public spaces to reopen.

People are now allowed to expand their social gatherings to 50 while indoors and up to 100 are now permitted to gather outdoors. City bylaws on physical distancing remain in parks and squares as do mandatory face covering bylaws for all indoor public spaces.

More than 800 playgrounds and play structures, community and recreation centres as well as libraries are now open. Outdoor playground equipment will not be sanitized and parents are reminded to keep their children two metres apart from others when possible.

Toronto city council has also enacted a series of additional health measures beyond those set by the province in preparation for restaurant and bar openings. These include:

  • Maintaining at least two metres between groups of people and no more than 10 people at a table.
  • Masks must be worn at all times when not eating or drinking.
  • Guests must remain seated while eating or drinking except to enter, exit, paying their bill or going to the bathroom.
  • At least one guest from each group must give the bar or restaurant contact information
  • No dancing and no buffet-style food service