The province is loosening COVID-19 restrictions.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says the reduced restrictions start Monday.
Dr. Strang says following public health rules allowed this to happen and, while it’s a sign we’ve done well, we must stay vigilant.
“As we head into the next week and start to be more social again with events, I have to remind everybody the importance for all of us to continue all our layers of protection,” he says. “We just cannot become complacent, all of our hard work continues to be reflected in our cases numbers, but we need to continue this, so please don’t let up.”
The new restrictions are as follows:
-spectators are allowed at events, sports games and practices, arts and culture rehearsals and performances, except in schools
-businesses and organizations can resume hosting events with 150 people outdoors, or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity indoors, to a maximum of 100
-food or alcohol service must end by 10 p.m. and the event must end by 11 p.m.
-retail businesses and fitness facilities can operate at 75 per cent capacity
-the private gathering limit remains at ten
Dr. Strang says the limits apply to social events, arts and culture events, sport and recreation events, special events, festivals, faith gatherings, weddings with receptions, funerals with visitation and receptions, and bingo, darts and other similar activities hosted by licensed and unlicensed establishments.
He says the relaxed limits also apply to meetings and training hosted by private businesses or organizations, provincial and municipal government, first responder organizations, mental health and addictions support groups, and organized clubs.
No new cases Friday. Eight active infections remain.