General Public Health Measures For ALL Businesses

All businesses must operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials. Businesses must check with their local public health unit for any additional advice, recommendations and instructions above and beyond the information below. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued instruction on screening individuals. Workplaces must screen any workers or essential visitors entering the work environment.  For more information, you can see the COVID-19 Screening Tool For Workplaces. 

Some businesses or organizations must also screen patrons if they are operating in the Orange - Restrict catergory, Red-Control category, or Grey- Lockdown category.  

Complimentary screening apps are available to ORHMA members. Visit our Resources or Technology page for more information on available apps. 

Businesses are required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that provides protection of the eyes, nose, and mouth, if a worker is required to come within 2 metres of another person who is not wearing a face covering and not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.  

Businesses must follow the capacity limits designated to their operating category. 

 Businesses or places that are open shall ensure that equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms, showers that are accessible to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.  

Face coverings are required to be worn by members of the public and workers in indoor public places and workplaces, with limited exceptions.  

All businesses operating in a higher-risk category, (Orange, Red and Grey) must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan for their business.  A safety plan provides a documented approach to what your workplace needs to do and how you’re going to do it. Ontario has a guide for businesses on how to Develop Your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan.  Templates and samples are also available. 

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Restaurants, bars, food trucks and other food and drink establishments (e.g., wineries, breweries and distilleries) must adhere to the provincial guidelines unless stricter rules at the municipal level are implemented. Restaurants should check with their local public health units for further local guidelines.  

Establishments must take appropriate measures to keep patrons and workers safe: 

• All patrons are required to be seated at ALL TIMES, both in indoor and outdoor areas with some exceptions: while entering the area and while moving to their table; while placing or picking up an order; while paying for an order; while exiting the area; while going to or returning from a washroom; while lining up to do anything described in the above exceptions; where necessary for the purposes of health and safety 

• Tables are required to have two meteres or six feet distance between the unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. 

• PATIOS: The outdoor dining area must be configured to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons from different tables unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. If an outdoor dining area at the establishment is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the entire outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers. 

•  No person shall dance, sing or perform music at the establishment except  if a person or a group is under contract with the establishment in which they must be in compliance with the requirements.  

• Karaoke is permitted, with restrictions. Members of the public may sing or perform if they are not singing or performing in a private karaoke room, they are separated from every other person, including other performers. by plexiglass or otehr impermeable barrier while singing or while performing on a brass or wind instrument, they must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres or six feet and any equipment used by members of the public must be cleaned and disinfected between each use. 

• Restaurants are required to gather patrons contact information (one person per party). This is required for dine-in patrons only.  Client logs are to be kept 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.   

• No buffet style service is permitted. 

• Nightclubs are only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar. 

• Line-ups / Patrons congregating outside of establishments must be managed by the establishment. 

• Face coverings are required except when eating or drinking only. 

• Eye protection where patrons without face coverings are within 2m of workers.

Liquor sales licensees who wish to temporarily extend the physical size of their existing licensed patio, or temporarily add a new licensed patio within the approved period are authorized to do so, if all the following criteria are met: 

• The physical extension of the premises is adjacent to the premises to which the licence to sell liquor applies. 
• The municipality in which the premises is situated does not object to an extension. 
• The licensee is able to demonstrate sufficient control over the physical extension of the premises. 
• There is no condition on the liquor sales licence prohibiting a patio.

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Businesses may only rent out meeting or event space if the total number of members of the public in the business at one time are limited to the number that can maintain physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) from any other person and cannot exceed the following: 

• 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors 

             *exception for court/government services, wedding ceremonies, funerals 

• Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted  

For more information, visit Ontario's Guidance for Meeting & Event Facilities During COVID-19 

CASINOS & GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS 

• Capacity cannot exceed 50 persons. 

• Table games are prohibited.

•  Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health  

 RESTAURANTS & BARS

Restaurants, bars, food trucks and other food and drink establishments (e.g., wineries, breweries and distilleries) must adhere to the provincial guidelines unless stricter rules at the municipal level are implemented. Restaurants should check with their local public health units for further local guidelines.  
Establishments must take appropriate measures to keep patrons and workers safe:

• All patrons are required to be seated at ALL TIMES, both in indoor and outdoor areas with some exceptions: while entering the area and while moving to their table; while placing or picking up an order; while paying for an order; while exiting the area; while going to or returning from a washroom; while lining up to do anything described in the above exceptions; where necessary for the purposes of health and safety 

• Tables are required to have two meteres or six feet distance between the unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. 

• PATIOS: The outdoor dining area must be configured to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons from different tables unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. If an outdoor dining area at the establishment is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the entire outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers.  

•  Establishments in the PROTECT - YELLOW category must close their indoor dining room by midnight.  Establishments must be closed to the public between 12 a,m. to 5 a.m.  Take-out and delivery and washroom access is permitted beyond this time frame. 

• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with the exception of delivery and take-out to which alcohol can be sold.  

• No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

•  Limit of 6 people may be seated together both indoor and outdoor. 

• No person shall dance, sing or perform music at the establishment except  if a person or a group is under contract with the establishment in which they must be in compliance with the requirements.   

•  Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation) 

• Karaoke is permitted, with restrictions. Members of the public may sing or perform if they are not singing or performing in a private karaoke room, they are separated from every other person, including other performers. by plexiglass or otehr impermeable barrier while singing or while performing on a brass or wind instrument, they must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres or six feet and any equipment used by members of the public must be cleaned and disinfected between each use.  

• Restaurants are required to gather patrons contact information from all seated patrons. This is required for dine-in patrons only.  Client logs are to be kept 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.   

• No buffet style service is permitted.  

• Nightclubs are only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar. 

• Line-ups / Patrons congregating outside of establishments must be managed by the establishment. 

• Face coverings are required except when eating or drinking only. 

• Eye protection where patrons without face coverings are within 2m of workers.  

• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

Liquor sales licensees who wish to temporarily extend the physical size of their existing licensed patio, or temporarily add a new licensed patio within the approved period are authorized to do so, if all the following criteria are met: 

• The physical extension of the premises is adjacent to the premises to which the licence to sell liquor applies. 
• The municipality in which the premises is situated does not object to an extension. 
• The licensee is able to demonstrate sufficient control over the physical extension of the premises. 
• There is no condition on the liquor sales licence prohibiting a patio.

 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Businesses may only rent out meeting or event space if the total number of members of the public in the business at one time are limited to the number that can maintain physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) from any other person and cannot exceed the following:

• 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors 

            *exception for court/government services, wedding ceremonies, funerals 

• Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted  
• Businesses must ensure that a safety plan is prepared and made available  (see information above for safety plan templates and samples) 
•  No more than six people are seated together at any table in the rented space  
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. 
• Limit Operating Hours: The business must be closed to the public between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. 
• Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation)    
• Businesses are responsible for recording the name and contact information of everymember of the public who attends a meeting or event and maintain the records for at least one month. This information is only disclosed to a medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request for a purpose specified in section 2 of that Act or as otherwise required by law.  

 For more information, visit Ontario's Guidance for Meeting & Event Facilities During COVID-19  

 CASINOS & GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS 

• Capacity cannot exceed 50 persons.

• Table games are prohibited.

• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health  

• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments are required to gather patrons contact information from all patrons. Client logs are to be kept 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.  

•  Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

• No consumption of liquor permitted between 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. 

• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Restaurants, bars, food trucks and other food and drink establishments (e.g., wineries, breweries and distilleries) must adhere to the provincial guidelines unless stricter rules at the municipal level are implemented. Restaurants should check with their local public health units for further local guidelines.   Establishments must take appropriate measures to keep patrons and workers safe:   

• All patrons are required to be seated at ALL TIMES, both in indoor and outdoor areas with some exceptions: while entering the area and while moving to their table; while placing or picking up an order; while paying for an order; while exiting the area; while going to or returning from a washroom; while lining up to do anything described in the above exceptions; where necessary for the purposes of health and safety 

• Tables are required to have two meteres or six feet distance between the unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. The maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors is 50. 

• PATIOS: The outdoor dining area must be configured to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons from different tables unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. If an outdoor dining area at the establishment is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the entire outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers.  

• Establishments in the RESTRICT-ORANGE category must close their indoor dining room by 10:00 PM. Establishments must be closed to the public between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Take-out and delivery and access to the washroom may continue.  

• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of delivery and take-out to which alcohol can be sold.

• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. 

• Limit of 4 people may be seated together both indoor and outdoor. 

• No person shall dance, sing or perform music at the establishment except  if a person or a group is under contract with the establishment in which they must be in compliance with the requirements.   

• Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation) 

• Karaoke is permitted, with restrictions. Members of the public may sing or perform if they are not singing or performing in a private karaoke room, they are separated from every other person, including other performers. by plexiglass or otehr impermeable barrier while singing or while performing on a brass or wind instrument, they must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres or six feet and any equipment used by members of the public must be cleaned and disinfected between each use.  

• Restaurants are required to gather patrons contact information from all seated patrons. This is required for dine-in patrons only.  Client logs are to be kept 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.    

• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaire) See screening information above for template and guidance. 

• No buffet style service is permitted.  

• Line-ups / Patrons congregating outside of establishments must be managed by the establishment. 

• Face coverings are required except when eating or drinking only. 

• Eye protection where patrons without face coverings are within 2m of workers.  

• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

• Nightclubs are only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar.  

• Stripclubs are closed or permitted to operate as a restaurant or bar. 

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Businesses may only rent out meeting or event space if the total number of members of the public in the business at one time are limited to the number that can maintain physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) from any other person and cannot exceed the following:  

• 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors 

           *exception for court/government services, wedding ceremonies, funerals   

• Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted  
• Businesses must ensure that a safety plan is prepared and made available (see information above for safety plan templates and samples)
• No more than four people are seated together at any table in the rented space  
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. 
• Limit Operating Hours: The business must be closed to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation)    
• Businesses are responsible for recording the name and contact information of everymember of the public who attends a meeting or event and maintain the records for at least one month.  
• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaire) See screening information above for template and guidance. 
• This information is only disclosed to a medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request for a purpose specified in section 2 of that Act or as otherwise required by law.   

 For more information, visit Ontario's Guidance for Meeting & Event Facilities During COVID-19  

  CASINOS & GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS

• Capacity cannot exceed 50 persons.
• Table games are prohibited.
• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health  
• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments are required to gather patrons contact information from all patrons. Client logs are to be kept 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.  
• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaire) See screening information above for template and guidance. 
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 a.m. to 9 a.m. 
• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

 RESTAURANTS & BARS

Restaurants, bars, food trucks and other food and drink establishments (e.g., wineries, breweries and distilleries) must adhere to the provincial guidelines unless stricter rules at the municipal level are implemented. Restaurants should check with their local public health units for further local guidelines.   Establishments must take appropriate measures to keep patrons and workers safe:   

• All patrons are required to be seated at ALL TIMES, both in indoor and outdoor areas with some exceptions: while entering the area and while moving to their table; while placing or picking up an order; while paying for an order; while exiting the area; while going to or returning from a washroom; while lining up to do anything described in the above exceptions; where necessary for the purposes of health and safety 

• Tables are required to have two meteres or six feet distance between the unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. The maximum number of patrons permitted to be seated indoors is 10. 

• PATIOS: The outdoor dining area must be configured to ensure physical distancing of at least two metres between patrons from different tables unless separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier. If an outdoor dining area at the establishment is covered by a roof, canopy, tent, awning or other element, at least two full sides of the entire outdoor dining area must be open to the outdoors and must not be substantially blocked by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers.  

• Establishments in the RESTRICT-ORANGE category must close their indoor dining room by 10:00 PM. Establishments must be closed to the public between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.  Take-out and delivery and access to the washroom may continue.  

• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of delivery and take-out to which alcohol can be sold.

• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. 

• Limit of 4 people may be seated together both indoor and outdoor. 

• Dance, singing or perform music is prohibited.  Karaoke is prohibited. 

• Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation) 

• Restaurants are required to gather patrons contact information from all seated patrons. This is required for dine-in patrons only.  Client logs are to be kept 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.    

• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaire) See screening information above for template and guidance. 

• No buffet style service is permitted.  

• Line-ups / Patrons congregating outside of establishments must be managed by the establishment. 

• Face coverings are required except when eating or drinking only. 

• Eye protection where patrons without face coverings are within 2m of workers.  

• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

• Nightclubs are only permitted to operate as restaurant or bar.  

• Stripclubs are closed or permitted to operate as a restaurant or bar. 

 MEETINGS & EVENTS 

Businesses may only rent out meeting or event space if the total number of members of the public in the business at one time are limited to the number that can maintain physical distance of at least two metres (6 feet) from any other person and cannot exceed the following:   

• 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors 

          *exception for court/government services, wedding ceremonies, funerals   

• Booking multiple rooms for the same event not permitted  
• Businesses must ensure that a safety plan is prepared and made available (see information above for safety plan templates and samples)
• No more than four people are seated together at any table in the rented space  
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. 
• Limited Operating Hours: The business must be closed to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Limit volume of music (e.g., to be no louder than the volume of a normal conversation)    
• Businesses are responsible for recording the name and contact information of everymember of the public who attends a meeting or event and maintain the records for at least one month.  
• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaite) See screening information above for template and guidance. 
• This information is only disclosed to a medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request for a purpose specified in section 2 of that Act or as otherwise required by law.  

 For more information, visit Ontario's Guidance for Meeting & Event Facilities During COVID-19  

  CASINOS & GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS  

• Capacity cannot exceed 10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors.
• Table games are prohibited.
• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments can operate in accordance with a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health  
• Casinos, bingo halls, and gaming establishments are required to gather patrons contact information from all patrons. Client logs are to be kept 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.  
• All patrons are required to be screened (e.g: questionnaire) See screening information above for template and guidance. 
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 a.m. to 9 a.m. 
• A Safety Plan is required and be made available upon request. Information, templates and samples can be found above. 

Establishments must adhere to the provincial guidelines unless stricter rules at the municipal level are implemented. Establishments should check with their local public health units for further local guidelines.   

RESTAURANTS & BARS 

• Indoor dining is prohibited 
• Outdoor / patio dining is prohibited 
• Take-Out & Delivery may conti nue including the sale and service of alcohol with take-out and delivery orders. 

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Meetings and events are not permitted in the Lockdown category. Limited exceptions include: 

• Child care and day camps 
• Court services 
• Government services 
• Mental health and addictions support services (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous) permitted to a maximum of 10 people 
• Provision of social services   

 For more information, visit Ontario's Guidance for Meeting & Event Facilities During COVID-19  

CASINO & GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS'

CLOSED