MHSTCI Memorandum: Ontario increases capacity limits
August 18, 2020
To our sport and recreation partners,
We wanted to notify you of changes announced today that apply to facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities.
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is supporting the safe reopening of sport, fitness and recreation facilities by applying a capacity limit on a per room basis to help more businesses reopen their doors, get more people back to work and promote the return to a healthy and active lifestyle for all Ontarians.
As of August 15, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., these facilities can have up to 50 patrons for each indoor sport or fitness room, while ensuring physical distancing of at least two metres.
Further details can be found within the following on-line materials:
- Ontario Newsroom News Release
- New Guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19 that will permit facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities to have up to 50 patrons in each indoor sport or fitness room in their facility
- Amended Ontario Regulation 364/20 (Rules for Areas in Stage 3) located on the Emergency Order webpage.
Businesses should operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials. Employers may refer to the information provided on the Stage 3 of the framework for reopening the province, as well as additional sector-specific guidance provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) to better understand how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If applicable, we also recommend you review the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services guidance document for fitness facilities and swimming pool facilities.
As the province gradually and safely reopens, the government is promoting a safe approach to reopening businesses to boost Ontario’s economic and social recovery.
Regards,
Steve Harlow
Assistant Deputy Minister
