Last updated: October 21, 2020 at 5:10 p.m.
Your actions can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Only leave your home for essential activities such as work, education and fitness. Limit contact with people not in your household, watch your distance, wear your mask, wash your hands and download the COVID Alert app .
When you must go out, learn what to expect and what is required when you visit establishments and take part in activities in Toronto.
Toronto’s Stage of Reopening
Toronto is currently in a modified Stage 2 of reopening as of October 10, when the Province implemented targeted measures in Toronto that will last at least 28 days to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures impact high-contact locations, such as:
- indoor food and drink services
- indoor gyms and fitness centres
- casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments
- cinemas
- performing arts centres and venues
- spectator areas in racing venues
- interactive exhibits in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres or landmarks
- personal care services where face coverings must be removed for the service (e.g. facials)
- team sports, except for training sessions
- conference and convention centres, except where there are courts
This is in accordance with the Provincial Reopening Ontario Act (July 24) that provides direction on reopening.
Follow These Tips to Protect Yourself & Others
Apartments & Condominiums
Being Active & Getting Outdoors
Beaches
Beaches are closed for the 2020 seasons. Lifeguards are not on duty, beach areas are not maintained and washrooms or other facility buildings may be closed.
If you do go to a beach remember to:
- Stay home if you are sick
- If the beach is busy, go to another beach or return at a different time
- Bring sunscreen, water bottle, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes with you
- Swimming without the supervision of a lifeguard or outside designated swimming areas is not recommended
- Supervise children at all times
- As much as possible, limit contact with people you don’t live with and keep 6 feet apart
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain physical distance
- Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Find locations and learn about any service changes at beaches.
Dog Parks
Outdoor play for dogs and their owners is encouraged to stay active and healthy. Keep everyone safe, including your dog, by keeping your dog on a leash when outdoors, and by following these tips when visiting a dogs off-leash area:
- Stay home if you or your dog are sick
- Keep two metres (six feet) distance from other owners and dogs
- Avoid the area if crowded and come back at another time
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain distance
- Wash or sanitize your hands after touching surfaces (e.g. gates)
- Clean any dog toys thoroughly with soap and water when you return home
For more information, read the use of dogs off-leash guidelines and find a dog off-leash area.
Golf Courses
- Stay home if you are sick
- Reserve your tee time. Walk-ons are not permitted at this time
- Arrive no more than 20 minutes before tee time, and leave after your round
- Keep six feet (two metres) distance from others
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain physical distance
- Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Do not share clubs, balls or pull carts with other players
- Do not touch flag sticks. Play concludes when the ball hits the cup
- Wipe down and clean your equipment when you return home
Find golf course locations and read the guidelines for golf course operators.
Parks
Residents are encouraged to go outside for fresh air and exercise.
- Stay home if you are sick
- As much as possible, limit contact with people you don’t live with and keep 6 feet apart
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering when it is difficult to maintain physical distance
- Avoid crowded places, and try to visit when the park is less busy
- Do not gather with people outside your household
- Do not arrange play dates for children
- Step aside or pass others quickly and courteously on walking paths and trails
- Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face with unwashed hand
- Bring your own sports equipment and toys for your children to play with
- Clean toys with soap and water thoroughly when you return home
Learn what park amenities are open and closed.
Sports & Recreational Fitness Activities
As of October 10, indoor gyms and fitness centres (i.e., fitness, exercise classes and weight and exercise rooms) are not permitted.
- Stay home if you are sick, even with mild symptoms
- Spectators are not permitted
- Locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses must be closed, except for access to equipment, washrooms or to provide first aid
- Bring your own water bottle and other gear
- Keep two metres (six feet) apart from others
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face
- Wear a mask indoors and if distancing is difficult outdoors, except when exercising
- Follow instructions to wipe down equipment before and after use
For more information, read Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Gyms and Fitness Centres.
Swimming Pools
- Stay home if you are sick
- Bring your own goggles, water bottles, towel and flotation device, if needed
- Sign in on arrival
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering when you can’t maintain physical distance while changing or in enclosed areas. Masks are not required in the pool
- Keep two metres (six feet) apart from others
- Plan to attend when less busy
- Pool capacity is limited to 25 per cent to maintain physical distancing
- Swimming is limited to 45 minutes to allow for cleaning
- Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Find locations and read the guidelines for operating recreational water facilities.
Download the Have Fun and Stay Safe at the Swimming Pool infographic.
Tennis Courts
- Stay home if you are sick
- Book court time in advance, if possible
- Keep two metres (six feet) distance from others, including spectators
- Wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces, such as in change rooms and clubhouses or if it is difficult to maintain physical distance outdoors (except when exercising)
- Bring your own equipment, towel, hat, water and sunscreen
- Practise good hand hygiene using sanitizer before, during, and after play, especially if sharing tennis balls
- Cross at opposite sides of the net when changing sides
- Amateur and recreational tennis leagues and tournaments (singles and doubles) must not allow for prolonged or deliberate physical contact between players
- Wipe down and clean your equipment when you return home
For more information, read the Use of Community Club Tennis Courts Guidelines and the Use of Public Tennis Courts Guidelines.
Children's Activities
Camps
- Explain to children that camp will be different this year because of COVID-19
- Monitor children for COVID-19 symptoms and keep them at home if they are sick
- Teach children about proper, frequent hand washing and cough/sneeze etiquette
- Remind children to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
- Remind children about physical distancing and to follow instructions from staff
- Answer health screening questions before dropping off children
- Instruct children not to share food, toys or other personal items
- Children are expected to wear face coverings/masks when in indoor spaces. Provide two to three clean face coverings per child each day, and two resealable bags to store them in
Learn more about the guidelines for camps.
Child Care Centres
Learn about guidelines for child care centre operators.
Playgrounds
- Follow caregiver guidelines provided by Toronto Public Health, as indicated on the posted signage
- Teach your children proper handwashing, to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and to cover their cough
- Wash or sanitize your hands often and before and after using the playground
- Monitor yourself and your child for symptoms of COVID-19
- Stay home if you or your child is sick
- Bring your own hand sanitizer, wipes, water, sunscreen and personal items
- Keep a distance of two metres (six feet) from others, when possible
- Wear a mask or face covering when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing; do not apply a mask on children under the age of two
- If a playground is busy, find another park or come back later.
Toronto Public Health has created a guidance document for owners and operators of outdoor playgrounds and fitness equipment to help children play safely at reopened playgrounds.
Community Activities (Farmers Markets, Community Gardens, etc.)
Dining Out
Food Trucks
- Stay home if you are sick
- If the food truck is busy or crowded, try coming back at another time
- Check if they offer online or phone ordering services. Order in advance for pick up, when possible
- Stay two metres (six feet) apart from others and wear a mask when in line or ordering
- Follow instructions on where to wait and pick up orders
- Wash or sanitize your hands before and after eating
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Only take off your mask or face covering when eating
- Enjoy your food away from the truck – take it home or have a picnic
Learn about guidelines for food truck operators.
Download the Take Out at Your Favourite Food Truck during COVID-19 infographic.
Patios
- Stay home if you are sick
- Make a reservation if possible
- If the patio is busy, try coming back at another time or find another place
- As much as possible, limit contact with people you don’t live with and keep 6 feet apart
- Wear a mask or face covering except when eating
- Enjoy with your household only
- Wash or sanitize your hands before eating and after leaving
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Learn about guidelines for restaurant operators.
Indoor Dining
As of October 10, indoor dining at food and drink establishments is not permitted.
Also read Toronto Public Health’s guidance for food safety and grocery shopping.
Drive-in/Drive-Through Events
Drive-in Theatres
- Stay home if you are sick
- Purchase your tickets in advance by phone or online if possible
- Park in a designated spot to ensure physical distancing between vehicles
- Stay in your vehicle except to use the washrooms or in an emergency
- If you do leave your vehicle, as much as possible, limit contact with people you don’t live with and keep 6 feet apart
- Wear a mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain physical distance and in indoor public spaces, such as washrooms
- Food and beverage may be purchased for delivery to your vehicle
- Do not share items between vehicles or with people you don’t live with
- Frequently wash or sanitize your hands and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Learn about the guidelines for operators and find events.
Faith-Based Services & Events
- Stay home if you are sick
- Greet others with a smile, bow or wave
- Bring your own materials (e.g. prayer book, rug)
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain physical distance and in indoor public spaces
- Stay two metres (six feet) apart as much as possible
- Do not sing or chant as germs can spread more easily
- Keep your children with you and do not gather in groups
- Rituals like communion are not recommended
- Frequently wash or sanitize your hands and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Learn about guidelines for faith-based organizations and weddings and funerals.
Download the Safely Attending Faith-Based Services infographic.
Gatherings
As of October 10, limits for all social gatherings and organized public events are reduced to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event
As much as possible, limit contact with people you don’t live with and keep 6 feet apart.
The City’s bylaws on physical distancing in City parks and squares and the mandatory mask or face covering bylaw for indoor public spaces remain in effect.
Read Toronto Public Health’s guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings.
Getting Around
Bus, Streetcar & Subway
- Do not use public transit if you are sick or self-isolating
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering (masks are now mandatory on the TTC and GO Transit)
- Avoid travelling during peak hours if possible
- Use your elbow/arm to push buttons/open doors
- Keep a distance of two meters (six feet) from others if possible
- Throw your garbage in a bin
- Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face
- Avoid lineups at PRESTO refill stations by loading money onto your PRESTO card online or using their app
Learn more about mandatory masks and face coverings, changes to boarding, payments, and cleaning practices on the TTC and GO Transit websites.
Download the Using Public Transit during COVID-19 infographic.
Driving, Walking & Cycling
Learn about ActiveTO which provides quiet streets, closing of major roads for active transportation, and expanding the cycling network to help people get around while practising physical distancing.
Taxis & Ride Shares
- Sit in the back and keep the windows open
- Wear a cloth mask or face covering
- Wash or sanitizer your hands when you reach your destination
Learn about guidelines for taxi and ride share operators.
Toronto Island Ferry
- Stay home if you are sick
- You must purchase tickets in advance and tickets are only valid for the date selected
- Washrooms at the terminal and at Toronto Island Park are open. Learn how to safely use public washrooms
- Passengers are required to wear masks or face coverings
- Keep two meters (six feet) apart from others
- Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Starting October 14, ferry service is operating at half capacity and on a reduced winter schedule.
Halloween
Due to rising cases of COVID-19 in our city, Toronto Public Health does not recommend hosting or attending in-person gatherings for Halloween this year. For the safety of your family it is recommended that you limit your in-person celebration to those you live with.
As well, because of higher risks for COVID-19 in the modified Stage 2, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is not recommending traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel, and York Region. It is important that families not travel outside of their region to celebrate Halloween.
While Halloween will look different this year, with some imagination, there are still many ways to have fun and celebrate safely.
Celebrate virtually
Connect virtually this year to celebrate. Share your ideas and spooky selfies online with friends and family. Or invite them to join in virtually for scavenger hunts, decorating contests and Halloween-themed tales. There are many low-risk Halloween activities you can enjoy. With increasing cases of COVID-19 in our community, say no to Halloween gatherings.
Creative and safer alternatives to trick-or-treating
Get dressed up
- Organize a virtual costume party to show off your costumes.
- A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask or face covering and should not be worn over a cloth mask as it may make it difficult to breathe. Consider making your cloth mask a part of your costume.
- Share photos of your Halloween costume on social media or by text.
Get decorating
- Have a virtual competition with your neighbors for the best outdoor Halloween decorations.
- Decorate pumpkins, your living space or a Halloween-themed cloth mask or face covering.
- Hang decorations outside your home for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy a frightening evening at home
- Enjoy an evening at home with scary or fun storytelling, movies, magic tricks, or a special meal dressed up in costumes with the people you live with.
Share treats safely
- Make and decorate spooky treats with your household members.
- Prepare treat bags for family and friends. If preparing treat bags, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after. Plan for contactless delivery and maintain your distance when dropping off.
A Halloween-style scavenger hunt
- Set up a trick-or-treat-style scavenger hunt around your home for your kids. Hide spooky items for your children to find.
Download this information as a PDF (also available in French).
Resources:
Personal Care Services (Haircuts, Tattoos, Nails, etc.)
Includes haircut, nails, tattooing, piercing and other aesthetic services:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Make an appointment
- Wait outside until you are called in
- Wear a mask or face covering while indoors – As of October 10, services that involve removing your face mask or covering (e.g. facials) are not permitted
- Stay two metres (six feet) apart as much as possible
- Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face with unwashed hand
Learn about guidelines for operators.
Retail Stores & Shopping Malls
Visiting City of Toronto Long-Term Care Homes
Washrooms
- Wear a mask or face covering if it is difficult to maintain physical distance and in indoor public spaces
- Only share a washroom stall with people from your household
- Stagger your entrance into and exit from public washrooms in an effort to maintain physical distance
- If the washroom is busy, go to another washroom or return at a different time
- Where possible, utilize electronic push buttons or sensors to open doors, turn on sinks, flush toilets
- Wash or sanitize your hands when entering and prior to exiting a public washroom
- Avoid touching frequently touched hard surfaces
- If possible, use every other stall and sink
- To meet physical distancing guidelines, some sinks and urinals may be closed off
- Public washrooms may have reduced hours of operation to allow for enhanced cleaning
Find public washroom locations and read the read the full guidelines for using public washrooms.
Weddings & Funerals
- Ask guests to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they are sick
- Ask guests who are at high risk or are aged 70 or over to attend virtually
- As of October 10, limits for all social gatherings and organized public events are reduced to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors where physical distancing can be maintained. The two limits may not be combined for an indoor-outdoor event
- For the ceremony, service or rite, plan for no more than 30 per cent of the room’s capacity indoors and 100 people outdoors After the ceremony, service or rite, the gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors apply as per O. Reg. 263/20.
- A mask or face covering is required when indoors and is recommended outdoors when it is difficult to maintain physical distance
- Provide hand sanitizer and encourage guests to wash their hands frequently
- Remind guests to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
- Post signs and arrange seating that is two metres (six feet) apart
Read Toronto Public Health’s guidance for indoor and outdoor events and gatherings.
