Ontario Continues to Loosen Restrictions: How Will Condos Be Affected?

As of February 17, 2022 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario announced it will be moving to the next phase of reopening under Step 3. We previously blogged about the changes to the restrictions here.

Initially, the province was set to move into the next stage on February 21, 2022, but it says improvements in key indicators have allowed it to safely ease public health measures sooner.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS ARE RELEVANT?

Some key changes to the restrictions for condominiums are detailed below. We encourage readers to consult the Regulation (and latest amendment) for additional details.

Gatherings

• Increased social gathering limits to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors (previously 10 and 25 people respectively).
• Increased organized public event limits to 50 people indoors and no limits outdoors (previously 25 people).

Sports and Fitness

• Non-spectator areas and recreational fitness facilities will no longer have capacity limits
• Spectator areas will continue to have capacity limits in place

Masks will continue to be required while in the gym (subject to the usual restrictions) except while engaging in athletic or fitness activity.

The rest of the requirements set out in the Regulation and detailed in our most recent blog continue to apply.

Indoor and outdoor recreational amenities

• Capacity limits are no longer restricted to 50%, but capacity must be limited to allow for users to maintain two meters physical distance.

For indoor recreational amenities, the rules applicable to Sports and Fitness (see above) must also be respected.

Screening

• Condominiums must continue to comply with screening requirements by posting signs at all entrances to the premises of the business or organization, in a visible, conspicuous location. These signs should inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering the premises.

• Condominiums must continue to actively screen workers.

Masks

• Individuals are still required to wear a mask or face covering covering the nose, mouth and chin in all interior common elements, subject to the usual exceptions (which can be viewed by consulting the Regulation), unless a two-meter distance can be maintained.

Since two-meter distancing may in many cases be difficult to guarantee, condominiums may adopt a policy or Rule requiring masks to be worn while in interior common elements (notwithstanding physical distancing). You can read more about our thoughts on masking requirements in our previous blog post.

As we’ve continuously mentioned, condominiums cannot implement measures that are contrary to provincial guidelines, but may adopt measures that are more restrictive.

Stay safe and stay tuned to Condo Law News to keep up to date on the latest developments on reopening Ontario!