New Ontario reopening guidelines

The Government of Ontario released a new reopening plan for Ontario that aims on being long-term. This new plan outlines government strategies towards the goal of lifting COVID-19 restrictions by March 2022.

This new plan includes lifting capacity restrictions for businesses requiring proof of vaccination; this was set to take place on October 25^th. The following businesses are able to reopen as of October 25^th, without the requirement to physically distance:

• Indoor dining
• Indoor sports and recreational facilities 
• Food and drinking establishments (where there is no dancing)
• Casinos and bingo halls
• Indoor meeting and event spaces
• Outdoor settings (some restrictions apply)

With Ontario’s new plan, the option is given for other establishments to also open without physical distancing restrictions, as long as they participate in a vaccine certificate program where these businesses would agree to check for proof of vaccination. Some of the businesses being provided this option include:

• Personal care services 
• Indoor spaces of amusement parks
• Boat tours 
• Spaces holding weddings, funerals or religious services

Businesses who do not participate in a vaccine certificate program will have to stay in compliance with the capacity restrictions set within Step 3 of Ontario’s original reopening plan.

It is important to note that proof of vaccination requirements will not be required to access the following:

• Medical care
• Grocery stores 
• Other applicable essential services 

As current public health measures continue to be monitored in alignment with the goal to lift restrictions by March 2022, workplaces should ensure that they know which restrictions apply to their sector. Businesses should also ensure that they are informed on the vaccine certificate program.

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Beyond Rewards Inc

Human Resources and Risk Management Consultants and Training Provider at Beyond Rewards Inc

Beyond Rewards is a boutique firm offering a full suite of Human Resource, Safety, Workplace investigations, Accessibility Standards and Risk Management solutions, online training programs and customized face to face training for our clients. Several exceptional expert consultants led by Lynne Bard, HBa, CHRP, CES, President/Senior Consultant,will be blogging regularly on First Reference Talks on behalf of Beyond Rewards Inc.

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