Ontario Laid Out Rules For Gatherings This Holiday Season & Here's What You Need To Know
The holidays are just around the corner.
With the holiday season fast approaching, the Ontario government dropped its COVID-19 guidelines for residents to follow when they're meeting up with their friends, family, and loved ones.
During a November 25 press conference, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, urged Ontarians to get vaccinated against COVD-19 and highlighted the public health measures from travelling over the holidays to practicing social distancing.
"Wherever you're planning on spending the holiday period in the New Year please do so safely. We're seeing the expected increase in cases and we do anticipate that they will continue to rise over the holiday period," Dr. Moore said.
"This pandemic is certainly not over but by getting the first, second, or third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and by consistently following those public health measures that we know work we can reduce the risk of transmission and have a happy and healthy festive season."
Indoor and outdoor social gatherings this holiday season
The Ontario government put out its COVID-19 guidance for the holidays online and remind Ontarians that there are still capacity limits for when you're meeting up for a holiday party this year.
Up to 25 people can attend an indoor social gathering while outdoor gatherings cannot exceed a max capacity of 100 people.
Ontario advises to use outdoor spaces when possible for holiday activities this year, but if not, consider jotting down the names of all the guests who attend for contact tracing purposes, wearing a mask, and socially distancing from others. Even at outdoor gatherings, the provincial government says to wear a mask, especially when you're singing or shouting.
Gift exchanges and masking protocols
When exchanging gifts with your loved ones this year, Ontario advises you to keep two metres apart and wash your hands after passing around or opening up the presents.
The Ontario government laid out various masking protocols for fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated Ontarians this holiday season.
"Even if fully vaccinated, Ontarians must wear a face covering and physically distance when it is required, including at indoor organized public events and in indoor public spaces (with limited exceptions)," government officials wrote.
A group of fully vaxxed Ontarians can take off their masks at indoor gatherings if everyone else is comfortable, but when there are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people in the room Ontario recommends wearing a face covering and keeping your distance. This applies during outdoor gatherings, too.
Travelling over the holidays
Make sure to follow the provincial guidelines for where you're going, and those who are flying internationally should adhere to the rules and regulations the feds laid out for travel.
The Ontario government also asks Ontarians to think about what to do if you or someone you're travelling with becomes sick during the trip, including making up a plan for self-isolation, getting back home, and health care.
Ontarians who either live with or are visiting someone who is at a higher risk of getting really sick from COVID-19 should think about whether or not they should stay in the same place or book accommodations elsewhere.
They're also advising that all travellers be fully vaccinated and to keep tabs with the COVID-19 situation for where they're travelling to if it's out of Canada.
Seeing Santa
If you're making plans to see Santa in person this year, Ontario says it is safer to see him outside rather than indoors.
They also recommend keeping your mask on when you're getting your photo taken with jolly old Saint Nick (even Mr. Claus needs to have a mask that can fit over his beard, too.)