Toronto could feel a tad more normal
City opens up a crack as province announces move into ‘grey’ zone
Toronto is re-entering the province’s reopening framework, loosening restrictions on small business that have been in place since mid-January.
After the city’s medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa recommended moving into the “grey” or “lockdown” phase this week, the province announced Friday afternoon the city could do just that.
Starting March 8 at 12:01 a.m., a new set of rules will be in place. Here’s what’s changing:
> Animals: All veterinary services and grooming services are allowed.
> Indoor gatherings: No change. Only indoor gatherings with people in your household or for those who live alone with one other designated household are permitted.
> Libraries: Can open for computer use and contactless pick-up only. No book and other material browsing allowed.
> Outdoor gatherings: Increase from five to 10 people at distanced outdoor events.
> Personal services: No change. Hair salons and similar services are not allowed to open. Household services like cleaning are allowed.
> Recreation: Outdoor ski and snow sports, as well as golf courses and day camps, can resume with some conditions. Team sports are still not allowed.
> Religious services: Increase from five to 10 people for indoor weddings, funerals or other ceremonies. Outdoor limit of 10 remains unchanged. Gathering for regular indoor services still not permitted.
> Restaurants: No change. Takeout and delivery only.
> Retail: All stores can now open with capacity restrictions and other safety measures in place. Stores must post signs about self-screening. All retail that does not include groceries or pharmacies, including bigbox stores, must limit customers to 25 per cent capacity at a time. Malls can reopen with 25 per cent capacity and face coverings must be worn with some exceptions. Food courts are open for takeout service only.