Ontario Is Entering Step 3 Of Reopening On Friday & Here's What You Need To Know

Ontario will officially be entering step three of the reopening plan at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 16.

We've asked you on Instagram what you want to know about the newest guidelines and have compiled a list of answers below.

Will Waterloo Region be moving into step three with the rest of the province?

While Waterloo had a delayed entry into step two of Ontario's reopening plan, the region will be moving into step three with the rest of the province.

In a press release, the region revealed that indoor dining, larger indoor and outdoor gatherings, and more will be able to reopen on July 16.

However, the region's top doctor is still strongly encouraging residents to get vaccinated.

"Waterloo Region residents are strongly encouraged to get their second dose of vaccine as soon as they can and continue to diligently practice public health measures, as Delta continues to circulate widely and remains a threat in our region," Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, medical officer of health stated.

How many people can gather indoors and outdoors?

When Ontario enters step three of the reopening plan, the number of people you can gather with both indoors and outdoors will grow greatly.

If you're looking to have an indoor gathering, the government is permitting up to 25 people, a big jump from the five-person gathering limit that was implemented in step two.

When it comes to outdoor gatherings, groups of up to 100 people will be allowed, opposed to the 25 person limit in step two.

What about movie theatres?

Indoor cinemas will be allowed to open on Friday with a capacity of 50% or 1,000 people, whichever is less.

Outdoor cinemas will also continue to operate, but capacity will increase to 75%. This will be maxed at 5,000 people for unseated events and 15,000 for events with fixed seating.

Cineplex announced that it will be opening its doors across the province on Friday, with a ton of new movies including Black Widow, F9 The Fast Saga, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, A Quiet Place Part II, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, The Forever Purge and The Boss Baby: Family Business.

However, guests should expect "enhanced safety and cleaning measures" and reserved seating.

Can I visit the ROM?

Multiple Toronto attractions have announced that they will be reopening their doors during step three of Ontario's reopening plan.

The Royal Ontario Museum has announced that it will be welcoming back guests on July 17 for the general public and July 16 for members.

Guests are asked to buy timed tickets in advance before visiting.

Other attractions like the CN Tower, AGO and Aga Khan Museum have announced that they will also be opening.

What are the rules for weddings?

When it comes to wedding ceremonies, both indoor and outdoor events are permitted with guests limited to the number of people that can fit in the venue while maintaining 2 metres of physical distance.

However, when it comes to social gatherings associated with the wedding, such as receptions, residents will have to follow the social gathering rules.

This means only 25 people will be allowed to gather inside and 100 people will be allowed to gather outside.

What can't we do in step three?

While a lot of venues across Ontario will be reopening as the province moves into step three, there will still be some rules that you need to follow.

Residents will have to keep gatherings at a minimum and will not be able to exceed the limits that are in place. On top of this, multiple venues such as cinemas, indoor fitness and pools will only be allowed to open at a limited capacity.

Residents will also still be required to wear face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing should still be maintained.