On Monday afternoon, the provincial government announced the completion of Step 2 in their Path Forward plan.

This means more restrictions, namely the ones that were delayed upon entering Step 2 one week prior, have been eased.

These include restrictions around retail, community and banquet halls, hotels and conference centres, and performance activities.

Effective immediately:

Retail settings now have a customer capacity limit of 25% of fire-code occupancy, including individual retail spaces as well as larger common areas.

Youth sports and recreation rules from Step 1 remain the same but are now expanded to include athletic programs for colleges and universities.

Youth and adult performance groups can now rehearse together in preparation for live streams or pre-taped performances in groups no larger than 10 individuals. They must be masked at all times, and maintain three metres distance from one another. No audiences or spectators are permitted during rehearsals or performances. These performance activities include singing, dancing, playing instruments, and theatre productions.

Performance activities for youth and children can include Scouts, 4-H, and Girl Guides activities.

Indoor film or television productions are permitted, though audiences are not allowed, and a plan must be approved before production beings.

Hotels, banquet halls, and conference centres can reopen for activities permitted in Steps 1 and 2, including performance activities, wedding ceremonies with up to 10 individuals, and funeral services with up to 20 individuals. Minister Shandro specified that neither wedding nor funeral receptions are currently permitted.

Decisions for Step 3 will be made as early as March 22nd, depending on hospitalizations and the spread of COVID.

 

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