Ontario residents have been able to return to live events after the capacity limit on venues was lifted this weekend for venues that require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to enter.
The Canadian province lifted capacity limits for sporting events and concert venues, as well as theatres, cinemas and meeting and events spaces. These meeting and events spaces will naturally have a capacity limit as indoor events such as this need to maintain social distancing.
Other venues and live events have also had their capacity limits lifted including horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and similar locations.
Proof of vaccination is already required within these venues and settings and will continue to be in place even though the capacity limits have been lifted.
Ontario has a three-step plan to re-open in place following the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently on step three.
Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health Christine Elliott said: “As we continue to see more Ontarians roll up their sleeves with over 22 million doses administered, our government is cautiously lifting capacity limits in select settings where we know proof of vaccination requirements are providing an added layer of protection.”
Elliott added: “The fight against COVID-19 is not over and we must all remain vigilant by continuing to follow the public health measures we know work and keep us safe, and receiving your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already done so.”
Ontario has recorded a total of 593,000 cases of coronavirus throughout the pandemic.
Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, added: “I am thankful for the continued efforts of Ontarians getting vaccinated and following public health measures and advice as we have continued to cautiously and gradually re-open the province.
“Our public health and health care indicators are continuing to trend in the right direction, and we are able to lift additional restrictions. However, now is not the time to let our guard down. We must all continue doing our part and continue strictly following the measures that remain in place and get as many people as we can fully vaccinated, especially as we enter the holiday season.”