In a news release May 19 the Ontario government announced the extension of all emergency orders currently in force until May 29, 2020. That includes the closure of bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery only, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women’s shelters. The government is also allowing drive-in religious gatherings.
As the province officially entered the first stage of its Framework for Reopening the Province yesterday, the government is permitting the reopening of some outdoor recreational amenities, including outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, off-leash dog areas, and outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas, effective as of Tuesday, May 19, 2020.
Outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, fitness equipment, public swimming pools, splash pads and similar outdoor water facilities will remain closed until later stages of the province’s reopening plan.
To ensure that individuals and families have safe access to outdoor spaces, the Government says it is critical they take everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus, such as maintaining physical distancing by staying two metres apart from anyone outside of their household, washing hands regularly, and staying home if feeling unwell.
Rules for religious drive-ins
The government has approved an exemption to the emergency order related to gatherings to allow Ontarians to attend drive-in religious gatherings, under certain conditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These conditions are:
- keep vehicles two metres or more apart
- only members of the same household can be in one vehicle
- people will not be able to leave their vehicles
- no more than five people can conduct the service at one time from outside a motor vehicle and they must stay at least two metres apart
Yelich,I., Warner,S., and Chazan,H.(2020,May19) Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Keep People Safe [media release]
photo seatofwisdom.ca
