ONTARIO REDUCING CAPACITY IN INDOOR FACILITIES
To further strengthen its response to the Omicron variant, effective December 18, 2021, Ontario will introduce a 50 percent capacity limit to the following indoor areas of venues with a usual capacity of 1,000 or more:
- Facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities
- Entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theaters, and cinemas
- Racing venues
- Meeting and event spaces
- Studio audiences in commercial film and television productions
- Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centers, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar attractions
- Casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
- Fairs, rural exhibitions, and festivals
This measure is being taken to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk indoor settings with large crowds and when face coverings/masks are not always worn.
The latest available data suggests that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant and will become the dominant variant by the end of the month. Early evidence suggests that a third dose, or booster, can further increase protection against severe illness and hospitalization due to infection of the COVID-19 virus.
The Community Health Program will be holding a third dose vaccine clinic on Monday, December 20th at the St. Regis Recreation Center from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for all those aged 18+. The interval between the second dose and the third dose has also been reduced from six (6) months to three (3) months. Appointments are not required but encouraged. Walk-ins will be welcome.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment for one of the upcoming vaccine clinics, please contact the Community Health Program at 613-575-2341 ext. 3220.