Here's Everything You Need To Know If You Are Currently In Ontario's Grey Zone
As of Monday, the province has moved new regions into Ontario's grey zone.
The move comes as Ontario activates its "emergency brake" in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.
If you are currently in this zone, here is everything that you need to know.
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Who is currently in the grey zone?
At the moment, there are two provincial regions operating within the grey-level of Ontario’s reopening framework.
Both Thunder Bay District and Simcoe-Muskoka Health Units were placed into lockdown on Monday, March 1, 2021.
Dr. Charles Gardner, chief medical officer of health, warned last week that the latter region’s data suggested it was losing its battle against the U.K. variant.
The alarming spike in case numbers in both regions resulted in Ford’s government announcing that they would be pulling the “emergency brake” on the public health districts.
What can you still do in the grey zone?
Although removed from Ontario’s stay-at-home order, regions operating within the grey zone have little to celebrate.
However, there are some things that are still open in this zone.
Essential businesses such as grocers, pharmacies and convenience stores can operate at 50 percent capacity in lockdown.
Meanwhile, non-essential retailers such as big-box stores, garden centres and hardware shops can operate at a stricter 25 percent.
Drive-ins are allowed to operate under this zone, but cinemas remain closed.
Weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies are permitted with 10 people allowed both indoors and outdoors.
What is closed in the grey zone?
Regions that enter the grey zone will see a lot of businesses shutter.
For starters, bars, restaurants and other food establishments remain limited to delivery and curbside pickup only.
Gyms and fitness facilities are closed to everyone but high-performance athletes.
Personal care services, casinos and libraries also remain closed.
Under all zones, Ontarians are also asked to keep their social circles to household members and to only leave the house for essential trips.