Ontarians welcome gyms, indoor dining

COVID restrictions ease as province moves into Step 3 of reopening plan

Ontarians returned to gyms, movie theatres and restaurant dining rooms on Friday as the province rolled back more public health restrictions.

Step 3 of the province’s reopening plan, which took effect just after midnight, allows fitness facilities, cinemas, indoor dining, museums and other venues to reopen after a long shutdown aimed at limiting spread of COVID-19.

Hazel Robichaud and her husband were waiting outside the Crooked Cue restaurant in Mississauga, to grab lunch. Earlier on Friday, the couple got their second COVID-19 shots at a pharmacy across the street.

“We’re glad to be able to get back in to indoor dining, because it’s too hot to sit outside,” Robichaud said.

Maggie’s Diner owner Sam Aly said the return of indoor service was a relief. “I got more customers today than I’ve gotten all month, so it looks positive,” Aly said. “Now we can hopefully stand on two feet and try to make some money and try to get out of this debt we’re in.”

Rules around masking and physical distancing are still in place under Step 3, with some exceptions. It also allows social gatherings of 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

In Oakville, Ont., Ian Turner decided to use his day off work to see a movie with his son on the first day cinemas reopened.

He said he was “a little concerned,” but felt comfortable wearing a mask inside the Cineplex. “I think everything will be fine and safe and it’ll be nice to be able to get out again and enjoy a movie on a big screen,” he said.

At gyms, the province has said patrons don’t need to wear masks inside when using equipment, but several people at two Toronto gyms still chose to keep their faces covered as they used the machines on Friday.

Raj Meduri, one of the dozen or so people working out at Planet Fitness on Friday, said he’s fully vaccinated and doesn’t mind if others at the gym choose not to be.

“Vaccinations are a personal thing but coming back to safety measures like masks and disinfecting equipment is important,” he said.

Ontario reported 159 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths from the virus on Friday.

SEAN KILPATRICK THE CANADIAN PRESS Lili Johanis works out under the watchful eyes of coach and owner Everett Sloan of Crossfit Bytown in Ottawa. Patrons returned as Ontario entered Step 3 of its reopening plan on Friday.