Ontario reduces social gatherings in select regions, increases fines

By News Staff

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday that social gathering sizes will be decreasing in Toronto, Peel Region, and Ottawa as of 12:01 a.m Friday.

Social gathering sizes shrink to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors for those three regions.

Limits remain at 50 indoor and 100 outdoor in all other areas of the province.

Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. For example, gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.

The new rules apply to all unmonitored social gatherings such as parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas.

 

The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres or banquet halls, gyms, and recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures, for these businesses and facilities continue to be in effect.

Ford also announced a new minimum fine of $10,000 for organizers of illegal social gatherings.

Attendees could still be subject to a fine of $750 for breaking social gathering rules.

 

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