Ontario to Implement Further Protections at Restaurants against COVID-19

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, has amended orders O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 and O. Reg. 263/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 2, under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020,implementing additional measures for restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments, as the province carefully and gradually reopens.

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

In order to keep patrons of restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments safe, 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.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened.

It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice as more businesses and services reopen in Stage 3. This includes practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.