COVID-19: Restaurants, bars permitted to reopen dining rooms as Toronto moves to Stage 3

Premier Doug Ford announced earlier today that Toronto and Peel Region can move to Stage 3 later this week.

As part of the framework for reopening the province, Toronto restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments are permitted to reopen indoor seating and dining rooms beginning Friday, July 31, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. 

Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health regions join the 31 other public health regions that entered Stage 3 on July 17 and 24. Windsor-Essex region is to remain in Stage 2 for now.

Toronto moved to Stage 2 on June 24, which allowed the addition of patio dining and  included the launch of CaféTO, a program allowing approved establishments to install or expand sidewalk and curb lane cafes.

Hospitality workers and customers have had to face numerous challenges and risks over the last four months due to the global pandemic. Stage 3 presents additional hurdles for both.

New rules for dining in

If you decide to dine inside a restaurant, you’ll notice things look quite different this time around. Expect “at least two metres between patrons from different tables.” That is, unless there’s an impermeable barrier such as Plexiglas separating you and the neighbouring table. And as per the new regulations, “All patrons must be seated when eating or drinking at the establishment.” 

Entertainment restrictions have loosened somewhat: “Singing or music may be performed by a person or group at the restaurant or bar, with restrictions, including barriers between the performers and patrons and physical distancing.” Dancing, however, “may only be performed by someone working at the establishment with restrictions. 

Whether you’re heading out to a bar, restaurant, food court, concession stand, food truck, or wine tasting, two metres between patrons from different households or social circles is to be adhered to.

Buffet and karaoke lovers, you’re going to have to wait a while longer, as these services are still off limits.

More changes needed

In today’s news release, Premier Ford said, "While more restaurants, theatres and businesses can hang up their Open for Business sign, we're asking everyone to follow public health advice and act responsibly.” 

This decision to move to Stage 3 was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local medical officers. It’s based on “positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.”

Mayor John Tory wants more. He has asked for six additional safety measures and protocols to be put in place regarding bars and restaurants, including mandatory face coverings for staff and patrons, COVID-19 screening protocols for staff, and required customer log containing contact details for possible follow-up.

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, stated in the release, "No matter which stage a region is in, everyone needs to continue to follow public health advice to protect themselves, their families and community."

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Stay tuned. Updates on newly opened dining rooms and other Stage 3 news on the way. To keep up to date, follow Toronto Restaurants on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter.