Tomorrow at 12:01 a.m., Toronto and most of Ontario will move into Step Two of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen. The City of Toronto has readied reopening amenities and is prepared to resume permitted services starting tomorrow morning.
In Step Two, additional restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 are being lifted. Small indoor gatherings of up to five people from different households are permitted and outdoor gathering limits increase to 25 people. A full list of Step Two changes can be found on the Province’s Reopening Ontario webpage.
The City has updated the COVID-19: Reopening Guide for Toronto Residents with a list of activities that are permitted when Toronto enters Step Two.
As announced last week, the move to Step Two impacts some City services. To help Torontonians safely enjoy the outdoors, the City has now issued hundreds of permits for outdoor sports leagues, fitness classes and use of picnic spaces and fire pits. The City also continues to support bars and restaurants through the CaféTO and small- and medium- sized businesses with tools including new rapid screening kits.
The full list of changes to City services, updated regularly, is available on the COVID-19: Changes to City Services webpage. Some of the updated City services as of Wednesday, June 30 include:
CaféTO
In Step Two, outdoor dining for tables of up to six people from different households is permitted. As restaurants prepare to welcome more customers, CaféTO continues to support the more than 1,070 restaurants registered and approved for expanded outdoor dining spaces in curb lanes, on sidewalks and on private property this summer across Toronto. Registration for CaféTO remains open for restaurants and bars interested in creating or expanding outdoor dining options. Learn more at toronto.ca/CafeTO.
Business supports
As of tomorrow, essential retailers can operate at 50 per cent and non-essential retailers can operate at 25 per cent capacity. The City has partnered with the Toronto Region Board of Trade to provide free COVID-19 rapid screening kits to help small- and medium-sized businesses of 150 or fewer employees safely reopen.
Eligible businesses can visit the Toronto Region Board of Trade Workplace Self Screening Kits webpage to order an initial four-week supply of testing kits and book a time slot for pickup.
The City and Toronto Public Health also continue to update the COVID-19: Guidelines for Businesses and Community Organizations with the latest public health guidance.
Permits for outdoor leagues and team sports
The City has now issued 530 permits to 300 organizations for outdoor leagues and team sports. As of tomorrow, outdoor games and scrimmages can be played. The City has reached out to permit holders directly about what is allowed under Step Two.
Indoor and outdoor religious and ceremonial permits
Religious and ceremonial permits will be issued for 25 per cent of indoor capacity and outdoor permits can be issued with physical distancing requirements.
Permits for picnics and fire pits
The City is issuing picnic and fire pit permits for gatherings of 25 people or fewer for June 30 and onwards. Information on picnic and fire pit permits is on the City’s One-Time Booking of Parks & Recreation Facilities webpage.
Permits for outdoor fitness
The City has issued 145 permits for outdoor fitness, waiving all permit fees to help support Toronto’s fitness industry. Tomorrow, outdoor fitness classes can increase from 10 participants to 20, providing physical distancing of three metres can be maintained by participants. The City has reached out to permit holders directly about what is allowed under Step Two. Gyms and other businesses can apply for permits through the Seasonal Leagues and Bookings webpage.
Outdoor performing arts venues and permits
The City is working with High Park and Earl Bales amphitheatre user groups to develop an opening plan. Permits for arts and music in parks can be issued and direct communication is underway with permit applicants.
Farms and zoos
Capacity for outdoor areas of animal attractions, including High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm is increasing to 25 per cent. More information about public health measures at the farm and zoo are available on the City’s website.
Vaccine coverage is a key consideration in the provincial Roadmap to Reopen, with the move to Step Two happening ahead of schedule thanks to vaccination progress and other positive public health indicators. While Toronto is currently exceeding the provincial targets – at more than 76 per cent first dose coverage and 41 per cent completed vaccination – it is vital to maintain vaccination momentum and continue advancing through reopening.
All people age 12 and older are eligible to book first dose and accelerated second dose vaccination appointments at City-run immunization clinics. Appointments can be booked by residents through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.
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