COVID-19: Mixed Reaction After Ontario Raises Capacity Limits in Certain Industries | The Canadian News

Ontario has lifted COVID-19 capacity limits in some places that ask customers to show proof of vaccination, a measure that has met with mixed reactions from different industries.

As of Saturday morning, cinemas, theaters, sports venues for concerts and spectators, and car and horse racing tracks can open at full capacity.

Physical distance requirements have been removed along with capacity limits, with a few exceptions, such as indoor meeting and event spaces, which must still maintain two meters between people.

Provincial officials said there have been few outbreaks in the targeted settings and that most other public health measures, such as masks, remain in place.

Michael Friisdahl, President and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, said he is “delighted” that the organization can once again welcome a full venue to cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.

“We are grateful to all levels of government for their partnership in this process and we recognize that much work will continue to be done together to ensure the safest environment possible for all attendees and our community,” Friisdahl said in a statement on Twitter. . .

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said more importantly, it is now considered safe to be at full capacity.

Defender Morgan Rielly said the team is looking forward to the crowds.

“Do we just miss that atmosphere? It’s hard to point out, but it’s the feeling when you’re late for the game and you hear the noise of the crowd, it really gives our team a boost, ”he said.

Cineplex spokeswoman Melissa Pressacco said in a statement that the change is “good news” for theaters.

“We are still reviewing yesterday’s exciting announcement and what it will mean for movie lovers in Ontario,” he said.

Capacity rules remain in effect for other places that require proof of vaccination, such as gyms and restaurants.

Restaurants Canada said it is “extremely disappointed” that the Ontario government has chosen to lift capacity limits in some locations, but not for the “worst hit” foodservice industry.

In a statement released Friday, the national nonprofit association representing Canada’s restaurant and foodservice industry said it does not understand why they continue to be “flagged” by the Ontario government and face further COVID-19 restrictions. strict.

“It is incomprehensible that 20,000 people can squeeze into an arena, scream and congregate closely without masks, while restaurants must adhere to strict distancing regulations that severely restrict the number of customers that can be served,” said Restaurants Canada.

Mohamad Fakih, CEO of Paramount Fine Foods, echoed these comments on social media, saying that while safe reopening is the number one priority, restaurants and small businesses are being “scapegoated and penalized.”

Restaurants Canada has asked the province to immediately lift all additional restrictions on the industry and provide additional support to recognize the cost of implementing the vaccine passport program.

Jason Sheridan, CEO of GoodLife Fitness, said the gym club company will continue to comply with public health regulations and looks forward to “more collaborative discussions with government stakeholders.”

The provincial government said it is making the changes based on high vaccination rates, stable public health indicators and vaccine certificate policy.

Ontario reported 654 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths from the virus on Saturday.

Of the new cases, 464 of those infected are either not fully vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. The province said 190 of the cases correspond to fully vaccinated people.

There are 153 people in intensive care due to COVID-19, including 139 patients who are not fully vaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

Provincial data says that nearly 87 percent of Ontario residents ages 12 and older have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 82 percent have both injections.