Indoor dining, gyms and casinos ordered to close in Toronto

The Ontario government has imposed new restrictions on Toronto, Ottawa and the Peel Region that take effect Saturday at 12:01am

Oct 09, 2020 - EightSix Staff

The Ontario government announced today new restrictions under a modified stage 2 for Toronto, Ottawa and the Peel Region.

The new restrictions will result in the closure of all indoor dining at restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as the closure of gyms, casinos, cinemas and performing arts centres.

The business closures are set to take effect on Saturday at 12:01am.

The new restrictions also include capacity limits of 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors for organized public events, real estate open houses, meeting spaces, event spaces, tours, guides and teaching events.

The measures will be in effect for at least 28 days.

The news represents another blow to the already reeling restaurant industry which is still trying to manage its way through the pandemic while keeping businesses open. 

Even with the current federal wage subsidies and rent relief programs, many restaurants are struggling to stay open operating at significantly reduced capacity. What makes matters worse, the industry is just entering the slower fall and winter months.

On a brighter note, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced $300 million in funding to support those small businesses impacted by the latest round of restrictions, including waiving provincial and municipal property tax bills as well as hydro and natural gas bills.

Here's to hoping that Ontario can flatten its curve and this latest round of restrictions can be lifted after the 28 day period.

Read full story: Indoor dining, gyms and casinos ordered to close in Toronto - Published Oct 09, 2020 on Global News