Reopening Ontario
Learn about the Roadmap to Reopen, the province’s three-step plan to safely and gradually lift public health measures based on ongoing progress of provincewide vaccination rates and improvements of key public health and health care indicators.
Pausing the exit from the Roadmap to Reopen
In response to evolving data around the Delta variant and based on the recent experiences of other jurisdictions, the government, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is pausing the exit from the Roadmap to Reopen.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts will continue to monitor the data to determine when it is safe to exit the Roadmap and lift the majority of public health and workplace safety measures currently in place.
Overview
The Roadmap to Reopen is a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures.
The plan is based on:
- the provincewide vaccination rate
- improvements in key public health and health care indicators
In Step Three of the roadmap, we must all continue to follow the public health measures, advice and restrictions.
Guiding principles
Step One: An initial focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds where the risk of transmission is lower, and permitting limited indoor settings with restrictions.
Step Two: Further expanding outdoor activities and resuming limited indoor services with small numbers of people and with face coverings being worn.
Step Three: Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn.
Exiting the Roadmap: The majority of public health measures will be lifted. A small number of measures will remain in place.
Moving through the steps
If the province has met the following vaccination thresholds, and there are continued improvements in other key public health and health system indicators, the province may move to the next step of the roadmap:
- Step One: 60% of adults vaccinated with one dose
- Step Two: 70% of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20% vaccinated with two doses
- Step Three: 70 to 80% of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25% vaccinated with two doses
Exiting the roadmap
In response to evolving data around the Delta variant and based on the recent experiences of other jurisdictions, the government, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, is pausing the exit from the Roadmap to Reopen.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts will continue to monitor the data to determine when it is safe to exit the Roadmap and lift the majority of public health and workplace safety measures currently in place.
Roadmap to reopen – key highlights
Step 1
60%
Adults with one dosePermit with restrictions
Outdoor spaces begin reopening, limited indoor settings with restrictions- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 4 people per table
- Essential retail capacity at 25%
- Non-essential retail capacity at 15%
- Religious services, rites and ceremonies indoors at 15% capacity and outdoors with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
- Outdoor sports training (no games or practices), fitness classes and personal training up to 10 people
- Day camps
- Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks and short-term rentals
- Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways without spectators
- Outdoor pools and wading pools
Step 2
70%
Adults with one dose20% Fully vaccinated
Permit with restrictions
Open indoors with small numbers and face coverings and expand outdoors- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people
- Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 5 people
- Outdoor dining for up to 6 people per table
- Essential and other select retail permitted at 50% capacity
- Non-essential retail capacity at 25%
- Stores in shopping malls open, with restrictions
- Larger indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services at 25% capacity
- Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services, capped at the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres
- Overnight camps
- Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times at 25% capacity
- Outdoor fitness classes are capped at the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of distance
- Public libraries permitted at 25% capacity
- Outdoor meeting and event spaces at 25% capacity
- Outdoor amusement and water parks at 25% capacity
- Outdoor sports games, leagues and events at 25% capacity
- Outdoor cinemas, performing arts, live music events and attractions at 25% capacity
- Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways at 25% capacity
Step 3
70-80%
Adults with one dose25% Fully vaccinated
Permit with restrictions
Additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 100 people
- Indoor social gatherings and organized public events for up to 25 people
- Indoor dining with no limits to the number of patrons per table
- Retail with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing
- Indoor religious services, rites or ceremony gatherings with physical distancing
- Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities with capacity limits
- Personal care services with capacity limited to ensure physical distancing
- Museums, casinos and bingo halls with capacity limits
- Cinemas, concert, theatres, and other performing arts venues with capacity limits
Moving beyond the roadmap
When Ontario exits the Roadmap to Reopen, the majority of public health measures in effect under Step Three will be lifted. This includes, but is not limited to:
- removing capacity limits in all sectors
- removing limits for social gatherings and organized public events
- removing requirements such as active screening of patrons and workers
To minimize the risk of covid 19, a small number of measures will remain in place. These measures include, but are not limited to the following:
- individuals must wear face coverings in indoor public settings, such as retail settings and workplaces, with limited exemptions
- passive screening requirements - businesses and organizations must post signs at all entrances so individuals can screen themselves for COVID-19 before they enter
- businesses or organizations must collect patron contact information in settings where it is currently required in Step Three to support case and contact management
- businesses or organizations must comply with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials
- day camps and overnight camps must continue to operate in a manner consistent with safety guidance from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
- businesses must have a safety plan that outlines how they will meet public health and workplace safety measures
All employers must continue to meet their legal duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers.
Read Schedules 4 and 5 in O. Reg. 364/20 for the public health and workplace safety measures under the Reopening Ontario Act that will need to be followed when the province exits the Roadmap.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to review data and provide advice to the government on the appropriate and effective measures that are needed to protect the health of Ontarians.
Roadmap to Reopen at a glance
This is a high-level overview of what can reopen in each step.
Read our public health measures, advice and restrictions for a more detailed summary of what can open in Step Three. For a complete list of public health and workplace safety measures and restrictions in Step Three, refer to O. Reg. 364/20.
Gatherings
Step One
Maximum 10 people for outdoor gatherings
Outdoor end-of-school-year celebration ceremonies held by a school or private school are exempt from outdoor gathering limits, with restrictions
Retirement homes are exempt from gathering limits
Step Two
Maximum 25 people for outdoor gatherings
Maximum 5 people for indoor gatherings
Retirement homes are exempt from gathering limits
Step Three
Maximum 100 people for outdoor gatherings
Maximum 25 people for indoor gatherings
Retirement homes are exempt from gathering limits
Religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services (does not apply to receptions)
Step One
Indoor permitted at 15% capacity of the room
Outdoor permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Step Two
Indoor permitted at 25% capacity of the room
Outdoor permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Step Three
Indoor and outdoor permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Retail
Step One
Essential and select retail at 25% capacity and can sell all goods (including discount and big box)
Non-essential retail at 15% capacity
Retail stores in malls closed unless the stores have a street facing entrance
Restrictions on shopping malls
Step Two
Essential retail at 50% capacity
Non-essential retail at 25% capacity
Stores in shopping malls open
Step Three
Essential and non-essential retail open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Liquor stores
Step One
Open at 25% capacity
Step Two
Open at 50% capacity
Step Three
Open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Restaurants and bars
Step One
Outdoor dining with 4 people per table from different households and other restrictions
Step Two
Outdoor dining with 6 people per table and other restrictions
Karaoke permitted with restrictions (outdoor only)
Step Three
Indoor and outdoor dining with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
No limits on the number of people per table
Buffets permitted
Food or drink establishments with dance facilities
Step One
Closed
Step Two
Closed
Step Three
Indoor capacity limited to the number of people who can maintain a physical distance of two metres, with a maximum capacity of 25% indoors or 250 people (whichever is less)
Outdoor capacity limited to 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Personal care services
Step One
Closed
Sensory deprivation pods permitted when prescribed or administered by a regulated health professional, with restrictions
Step Two
Open at 25% capacity
Appointment required
Services that require the removal of a face covering not permitted
Step Three
Open, including services that require the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
Sports and recreational fitness facilities
Step One
Outdoor fitness classes, outdoor sports training (no games or practices) and outdoor personal training, with 10 patrons maximum
Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes and day camps
Step Two
Outdoor sports leagues open
Training for professional or amateur athletes and/or competitions
Closed for indoor use except for high-performance athletes and day or overnight camps
Step Three
Indoor open at 50% capacity, with spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 50% or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open. For unseated events, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Personal fitness and training
Step One
Outdoor fitness classes – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
Outdoor personal training – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance
Outdoor sports training only – 10 people maximum, 3 metres distance (no games or practices)
Step Two
Outdoor fitness classes and personal training – with limit on the number of patrons, 3 metres distance
Step Three
Indoor fitness classes and personal training permitted, with maximum capacity of 50% and other restrictions
Outdoor recreational amenities
Step One
Open with restrictions
Step Two
Open with restrictions
Step Three
Open with restrictions
Water features
Step One
Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides open
Step Two
Outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides open
Step Three
Indoor and outdoor pools, splash pads, spray pads, whirlpools, wading pools and water slides open
Indoor pools limited to 50% capacity and other restrictions
Meeting and event spaces
Step One
Closed with exceptions for certain purposes including social services, government operations, court services, in-person examinations for select professions (subject to conditions)
Step Two
Outdoor spaces open at 25% capacity and other restrictions
Indoor meeting and event spaces closed, with exceptions for certain purposes, including for viewing for potential booking of a future event
Step Three
Indoor open at 50% capacity or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open at 75% capacity or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Day camps
Step One
Open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
Step Two
Open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
Step Three
Open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
Overnight camps
Step One
Closed
Step Two
Open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
Step Three
Open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (PDF)
Commercial film and TV production
Step One
Open with no audience, no more than 50 performers on set, and other restrictions
Step Two
Open with no audience, and other restrictions
Step Three
Open with studio audiences at 50% capacity or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Performing arts
Step One
Outdoor open for rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted event – 10 people maximum, spectators not permitted
Step Two
Indoor closed, permitted only for the purpose of rehearsing or performing a recorded or broadcasted event – spectators not permitted
Outdoor open, including live music, with spectator capacity at 25% and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor open at a maximum capacity of 50% or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open. For unseated events, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Cinemas
Step One
Drive-in open
Step Two
Indoor closed
Outdoor open with spectator capacity at 25% and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor open at a maximum capacity of 50% or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open. For unseated events, spectators at a maximum capacity of 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators at a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Casino, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Step One
Closed
Step Two
Closed
Step Three
Open at a maximum capacity of 50% and other restrictions
Horse racing
Step One
Outdoor with capacity and crew restrictions
No spectators
Step Two
Outdoor open with spectator capacity at 25% and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor open with spectators at 50% capacity or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open. For unseated events, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators permitted at a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Motorsports and speedways
Step One
Outdoor with capacity and crew restrictions
No spectators
Step Two
Outdoor open with spectator capacity at 25% and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor open at a maximum capacity of 50% or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open. For unseated events, spectators at a maximum capacity of 75% or 5,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions. For events with fixed seating, spectators at a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Short-term rentals (does not include hotels, motels, lodges or resorts, but does apply to cabins and cottages)
Step One
Open
Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities closed
Step Two
Open
Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities closed
Step Three
Open
Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities open with restrictions
Hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation
Step One
Open. Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities closed
Step Two
Open. Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or indoor whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities closed
Step Three
Open. Indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities open with restrictions
Public libraries
Step One
Curbside pickup for materials
Access to computers, photocopiers, and similar services permitted
Step Two
Open with 25% capacity and other restrictions
Step Three
Open, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
Museums and attractions
Step One
Outdoor zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar outdoor attractions open with capacity limited to 15% for ticketed areas and other restrictions
Step Two
Outdoor zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar outdoor attractions open with capacity limited to 25% for ticketed areas and other restrictions
Outdoor amusement parks and waterparks open with 25% capacity and other restrictions, including on rides
Step Three
Zoos, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens, and similar outdoor attractions open with capacity limited to 50% for ticketed areas indoors and 75% for ticketed areas outdoors and other restrictions
Amusement parks and waterparks open at 50% capacity indoors and 75% capacity outdoors and with other restrictions, including on rides
Fairs and rural exhibitions
Step One
Closed
Step Two
Outdoor open at 25% capacity and other restrictions
Step Three
Open at 50% capacity indoors and 75% capacity outdoors and with other restrictions, including on rides
Teaching and instruction (for example, recreational classes and lessons)
Step One
Outdoor open, 10 patrons maximum, 2 metres physical distancing and other restrictions
Step Two
Outdoor open, with distancing and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor open with a maximum capacity of 50% or 1,000 people (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Outdoor open with a maximum capacity of 75% or 15,000 (whichever is less) and other restrictions
Tour and guide services
Step One
Outdoor open, 10 patrons maximum, 2 metres physical distancing and other restrictions
Boat tours and motor vehicle tours not permitted
Step Two
Outdoor open, with capacity at 25% and other restrictions
Step Three
Indoor and outdoor open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
Construction
Step One
All construction open
Step Two
All construction open
Step Three
All construction open
Driving instruction
Step One
Not permitted, except for drivers of commercial vehicles
Step Two
Driving instruction permitted with restrictions
Step Three
Driving instruction permitted with restrictions
Ontario Parks and campgrounds
Step One
Open
Step Two
Open
Step Three
Open
Marinas and boating clubs
Step One
Permitted with clubhouses, and other indoor amenities closed
Recreational boating permitted but only members of a household can gather on a boat
Step Two
Permitted with clubhouses, and other indoor amenities closed
Step Three
Open with restrictions
Strip clubs
Step One
Permitted to operate as a restaurant in alignment with restaurant restrictions
Step Two
Permitted to operate as a restaurant in alignment with restaurant restrictions
Step Three
Permitted to operate as a strip club with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
Domestic services
Step One
Open to support children, seniors or vulnerable persons
Step Two
Open
Step Three
Open
Photography studios and services
Step One
Outdoor open and by appointment only, with restrictions
Step Two
Outdoor and limited indoor open with restrictions
Step Three
Outdoor and indoor open with restrictions
Community centres and multi-purpose facilities
Step One
Open for social services, child care and day camps, mental health support services or addictions support services, and permitted indoor and outdoors activities and services, with restrictions
Step Two
Open for social services, child care and day and overnight camps, mental health support services or addictions support services, and other activities and services, with restrictions
Step Three
Open with restrictions
Real estate open houses
Step One
Showings by appointment only
Step Two
Showings by appointment only
Step Three
Open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
Drive-in and drive through events
Step One
Open with restrictions
Step Two
Open with restrictions
Step Three
Open with restrictions
Health and safety training
Step One
Indoor: 10 person limit
Outdoor: 10 person limit
Physical distance of at least two metres from every other person in the instructional space, except where necessary for teaching and instruction that cannot be effectively provided if physical distancing is maintained
Step Two
Indoor: 10 person limit
Outdoor open, with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions
Step Three
Open with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres and other restrictions