Ontario to continue restricting concerts, live sports for foreseeable future

Many regions in Ontario can enter the second stage of reopening on Friday, but the province  will continue restricting concerts and live sports for the “foreseeable future.”

According to Ontario’s Framework for Reopening our Province, “large public gatherings such as concerts and sporting events will continue to be restricted for the foreseeable future,” even in Stage 3.

Right now, there are still rules in place as most of the province enters Stage 2 of reopening the economy on Friday.

Large outdoor events, such as concerts, large festivals, parades, and amusement fairs are not permitted.

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“Non-essential in-person gatherings of any size continue to be strongly discouraged,” the province said.

But, small outdoor events, such as cultural celebrations, animal shows, and fundraisers will be permitted in line with gathering-size restrictions, subject to local public health requirements.

It’s also noted that event organizers should have in place measures to enable physical distancing for people when in the event space and while waiting to enter, such as one-way traffic, marked lineup areas, and timed entry and length of stay.

However, concerts can be viewed in drive-ins.

And, when it comes to outdoor team sports, they may resume if physically distanced for training purposes only with no scrimmages or games.

This includes limited access to facilities, meaning there are still no locker rooms, change rooms, and showers.

The province is allowing access to clubhouses and other amenities that will be limited to washrooms, emergency aid, and equipment management.

On Monday, the province announced that Ontario would be entering Stage 2 on June 12.

There are regions that must move into the next stage at a later date, including Toronto Durham, Hamilton, Niagara, Peel, York, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Lambton, and Windsor-Essex.

However, for every region in the province gatherings expanded from five to 10 people with physical distancing still in place.

For regions that can reopen, patios will be available, places of worship can now have 30% capacity, and hair salons and malls can be visited.

It’s important to note that physical distancing is strongly enforced and businesses must comply with safety measures to ensure staff and customers are protected.