Ontario implementing additional measures at bars and restaurants as Hamilton settles into Stage 3

Published July 31, 2020 at 1:36 pm

Although the Ontario government initially said individual public health agencies could choose to implement additional safety measures around bars and indoor dining, it appears that it has heeded th

Although the Ontario government initially said individual public health agencies could choose to implement additional safety measures around bars and indoor dining, it appears that it has heeded the call by GTHA mayors to implement safety protocols at the provincial level. 

On July 31, the province announced that it’s implementing additional measures for restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments.

The amended orders will implement the following measures:  

  • All patrons will be required to be seated at all times, in both indoor and outdoor areas, with limited exceptions; and
  • Bars and restaurants (and also tour boat operators) in Ontario will be required to keep client logs for a period of 30 days and to disclose the client logs to the medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request, which will support case and contact tracing.
  • Complementary changes are being made in respect of existing provisions relating to tour operators and tour boat operators.

“Protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians has always been our top priority,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a statement. 

“These additional measures will help reduce close contact between individuals in these settings, and support case and contact tracing, thereby limiting the spread of COVID-19.”

Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon) and Toronto joined Halton, Hamilton and other GTHA municipalities in Stage 3 on July 31. 

The province is urging residents to continue practising physical distancing with those outside their household or social circle, wear a face-covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, stay home when ill, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

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