Ontario to allow expanded ‘social circles’ of 10 people

Families in Ontario can now have “social circles” – close contact with up to 10 people, but there are conditions that need to be met. Cynthia Mulligan explains the difference between that and social gatherings.

By News Staff and The Canadian Press

The Ontario government has announced they will be allowing expanded “social circles” of up to 10 people.

Public Health officials are encouraging Ontarians to establish a circle of people they can come in close contact without the need for physical distancing.

The circles can be made up of another household, family members, or friends.

They add no one should be a part of more than one circle and physical distancing should be maintained with anyone outside of the circle.

Ford said if a household has fewer than 10 people they can add to their circle, but a person can only be part of one group.

“We know there are friends, family, and loved ones you haven’t been able to hug or come in close contact with in months,” Ford said. “And today, the public health guidelines will be changing to introduce social circles.”

Watch: The health minister explains how ‘social circles’ should work

Health Minister Christine Elliott said the concept will help families with child- and elder-care needs, and reduce social isolation during the pandemic.

“The social circle should certainly help (but) that’s not going to take all of those issues away.”

The government said people at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 may not want to participate.

Ford stressed the new social circle advice is just that, and will not be enforced.

“The social circle police aren’t going to be knocking on your door. We trust you’re going to be doing the right thing,” he said.

Full guidelines on how to build your social circle from the Ontario government can be found below:

How to Build Your Social Circle by CityNewsToronto on Scribd

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