We're shut down, as of 12:01 a.m. today, Saturday, April 3.
The restrictions are similar to those of the grey lockdown zone of Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening framework — York Region has seen variants of concerns and case number sharply rise since it left lockdown last Feb. 22. However, there are stricter rules for gatherings and a ban on in-person dining, while non-essential retailers can remain open with reduced capacity.
Here's what you can and can't do, and what's open and closed, at least for the next 28 days.
Gatherings
- Indoor gatherings are prohibited. You should only get together indoors with members of your household.
- You can get together with a maximum of five people outdoors, as long as you can remain physically distant by six feet/two meters.
- Weddings, funerals and religious services are restricted to 15 per cent capacity per room indoors. If the ceremony and service is held outdoors, it is restricted to an unlimited number of people as long as six feet/two metres of distance can be maintained. Receptions must follow the gathering restrictions above.
Stores
- Essential stores such as supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies have a 50 per cent capacity limit.
- All other stores, including big box stores that don’t sell food primarily, as well as liquor and cannabis retailers, have a 25 per cent capacity limit.
- Shopping malls are restricted to a 25 per cent capacity per store, if physical distancing can be maintained. Indoor dining spaces isn't permitted, take out only. Music must be low enough for normal conversation to be possible. Indoor shopping malls must actively screen all patrons before they enter.
Restaurants and bars
- Dining is prohibited indoors and outdoors. Restaurants and bars may only provide takeout, delivery and drive-thru service.
Schools
- Elementary schools, high schools and child-care centres will remain open throughout the shutdown. The April school break will go ahead as planned.
- Day camps remain closed.
- Virtual instruction will be used at post-secondary institutions, with exceptions where in-person instruction is required. When in-person learning is required, each room will be limited to 10 people.
Fitness
- Gyms, including outdoor classes, are closed.
- Outdoor recreational amenities such as baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts and golf courses are open with physical distancing required.
- No team sports are permitted.
- Recreational facilities may open for the training of high-performance athletes. Locker rooms, change rooms and showers remain closed.
- Community centres will remain open for child care, mental heath and addiction services, social services, and physical therapy for people with disabilities
Services
- Personal care services, including hair cuts, are prohibited.
- Motor vehicle dealerships are open, with access limited to areas where vehicles are displayed for sale. Test drives are limited to no more than 10 minutes with a maximum of two people in the vehicle, with windows open.
- In-person driving instruction is only permitted for drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
- Equipment and machinery rental is permitted.
- Gas stations and other fuel suppliers, including automated or self-service car washes, are open.
- Laundromats and dry cleaners remain open.
- Domestic services such as housekeeping, cooking and cleaning are allowed.
- Veterinary and pet services, including boarding kennels, animal shelters, dog and pet walkers are permitted.
- Financial services are allowed.
- Transportation services are permitted.
- All community services, including emergency services, waste collection, sewage treatment, and social services, will continue to operate.
Real estate and rentals
- Open houses are prohibited. Property viewings can take place by appointment only.
- Short-term rentals can only be provided to “individuals who are in need of housing.”
Libraries
- Libraries are open only for curbside pickup or delivery. Materials returned to the library must be disinfected or quarantined before they are recirculated.
- Child care, mental health and addiction supports and social services are allowed to take place in these locations.
Maintenance and construction
- Property repair and maintenance is allowed
- All construction and related services are permitted.
Manufacturing and production
- Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials can remain open.
- Businesses that support and facilitate the movement of goods can remain open.
- Agriculture and food production are permitted.
Seasonal campgrounds
- Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities on the campground, other than washrooms and shower, must be closed.
Tourism
- Amusement parks, water parks, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments, concert venues, theatres and cinemas (includes drive-in or drive-thru events), museums and cultural amenities, tour and guide services, zoos and aquariums (outside of animal care) all remain closed.
A full list of the shutdown restrictions can be found here.
