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"Do as I say, not as I do." (Doug Ford, 2020) Policies

Medical Officer of Health issues Section 22 order to strengthen COVID-19 protections in Toronto


The order requires all individuals to wear a face covering or mask when in an indoor public space, including businesses and organizations that are open. It also requires all businesses and organizations that are open to the public to take reasonable steps to ensure that any individual entering the premises wears a face covering or mask.

The order also requires all businesses and organizations that are open to the public to post signs at their entrances informing people of the requirement to wear a face covering or mask. The signs must be visible from outside the premises and include information about how individuals can obtain a face covering or mask if they do not have one.

The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

The order also requires the following businesses and services to close:

• Indoor dining at restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments;
• Nightclubs;
• Cinemas;
• Performing arts centres and theatres;
• Concert venues;
• Casinos, bingo halls, gambling establishments;
• Meeting and event spaces (including banquet halls and conference centres);
• Hookah cafes and lounges;
• Spectator areas in racing venues;
• Interactive exhibits or exhibits with high risk of personal contact in museums, galleries, zoos, science centres, landmarks and other cultural attractions.

This includes wearing a face covering, practising physical distancing, washing hands often and staying home when ill.

Medical Officer of Health instructions to businesses and recommendations to the public

  • Limit all social gatherings and close contact to household members only, with a maximum of two essential supports (i.e. personal support worker)
  • Limit in-person activities outside the home to essential activities only – going to work or school, health care, shopping for your household and health needs and getting exercise and physical activity
  • All persons to wear masks while using weights and exercise machines in gyms
  • Businesses and workplaces to implement work from home wherever possible
  • Businesses and workplaces to review heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are in good working order
  • Businesses and workplaces to appoint a compliance officer to ensure implementation of occupational health and safety and infection prevention and control measures
  • Malls and other stores to prohibit the consumption of food and drink by patrons while walking through the premise.

New Medical Officer of Health order

  • Indoor consumption of food and drink by patrons remains prohibited at restaurants, bars and food or drink establishments
  • Meeting and event spaces, including banquet halls, are closed, as are casinos, bingo halls, other gaming establishments and hookah cafes and lounges
  • Indoor group fitness and exercise classes remain prohibited.

Other regulations and orders