On Jan. 3, 2022, the provincial government announced that due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and associated risk to the health care system in Ontario, Ontario will be moving to a modified Step 2 of Ontario’s reopening plan.
Key points include:
- Expanded supports for small businesses.
- Schools will move to online learning until at least January 17.
- Non-emergency non-urgent procedures in hospitals will be paused.
- Indoor dining, indoor recreation/leisure/performance amenities and facilities are closed. This includes gyms. Outdoor recreation permitted where safe and appropriate.
- Retail operations are permitted to be open at 50% capacity. Mask/physical distancing mandates in effect.
- Business permitted to open must have a safety plan, in writing.
- Indoor/outdoor recreation facilities MAY (but are not required to) open for use by persons with disability if a qualified regulated health professional has indicated that physical therapy is required and the person is not able to engage in physical therapy elsewhere.
These new restrictions will be in place for at least 21 days.
For more details, visit O. Reg. 263/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STEP 2 (ontario.ca)