Here is a primer on some of the changes coming when Newmarket and the rest of York Region enter stage 3 tomorrow, Friday, July 24.
Note that the Town of Newmarket continues to take a cautious approach to reopening to ensure it is done safely. An announcement is expected soon on what will reopen and when. We'll provide an update, or you can check here.
Keep in mind, masks must be worn indoors under York Region's mandatory mask order. You can find out more about exemptions here.
More detailed information about Ontario's reopening plan is available here:
WHAT'S OPEN
Gatherings:
- Indoor limit is 50 people
- Outdoor limit is 100 people
- Physical distancing rules still in place
Restaurants:
- Indoor dining allowed at all restaurants, bars, concession stands, and other food and drink establishments
- Physical distancing rules apply
- Enhanced cleaning recommended
- Patrons must be seated when eating or drinking at the establishment
Personal care services:
- Personal care services, including but not limited to hair salons, spas, tanning salons, tattoo studios, diet centres and beauty salons, were permitted to open in stage 2
- In addition to the services permitted in Stage 2, all services that tend to a customer’s face are permitted (e.g., facials, ear piercing, eyebrow grooming and eyelash extensions).
- Patrons must wear face coverings except while receiving services on an area of their face that would otherwise be covered by a face covering.
- Workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Weddings, funerals, church services:
-
Same as stage 2, at 30 per cent of the room’s capacity
Gyms, indoor fitness classes:
- Up to 50 people, if physical distancing can be maintained
- Equipment must be disinfected after each users
Libraries:
- Libraries may reopen for all on-site services, as long as materials that are circulated, returned or accessed within the library are disinfected or quarantined before being recirculated
- Details about hours and available services for Newmarket Public Library, which begins a 'limited reopening' July 28, are here.
Playgrounds:
- Outdoor playgrounds and play structures are permitted to reopen
- Physical distancing of at least two metres must be in place at all indoor playgrounds and play structures, except between individuals from the same household or social circle
Pool halls/bowling alleys:
- Indoor recreational activities can resume, and facilities can reopen, including arcade rooms, escape rooms, bowling alleys, and pool halls
- Physical distancing of at least two metres must be in place
- Equipment must be cleaned and disinfected frequently
Sporting events:
- Amateur and recreational sports leagues may resume so long as they do not allow prolonged or deliberate physical contact between players or if they have modifications to avoid physical contact between players
Movies:
- 50-person limit
- Physical distancing rules apply
Casinos:
- 50-person limit
- No table games
WHAT'S NOT OPEN
- Amusement parks and water parks;
- Buffet-style food services;
- Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements;
- Overnight stays at camps for children;
- Private karaoke rooms;
- Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports;
- Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars;
- Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.
