What are the rules in the red zone? The Spec answers your questions about the latest COVID rules
Just when we think we have a grasp on the rules, they change.
On Thursday, public health's advice was to go about your daily life, taking the regular precautions of mask-wearing and physical distancing. On Friday, the province hit the brakes on any illusion life was carrying on as normal," moving Hamilton into the red zone" and telling people to stay home as much as possible.
If you live in a red control region, please only leave the house for essential purposes," Health Minister Christine Elliott said at a provincial update. Please, please do your part."
Here is a roundup of everything you need to know when it comes to rules, best practices and guidance for Hamiltonians as the city moves into the red stage, starting Monday:
Are social bubbles still a thing?
No. The province paused" bubbles, also known as social circles" within which you could be close with 10 people, on Oct. 2.
Who are you allowed to be physically close and mask-free with?
Just your household. Or, if you live alone, with one other household.
Are you allowed to go out in the red" zone?
The province is asking red zoners to stay home, only going out for essential reasons. School, work, grocery shopping, exercise and medical appointments are considered essential reasons. People are asked to work from home if possible.
Who can you hang out with?
Hamiltonians are being asked to restrict gatherings to only members of their own household. If other people are in your home - to fix a pipe or do other repairs - wear a mask. If you're out in public places, or outdoors with other people, wear a mask.
However, people are technically allowed to gather in groups of up to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors. You must remain physically distant - staying two metres apart - and ideally wearing masks at all times if you're with people outside of your household. If you exceed these limits, the organizer of a gathering/event may face a $10,000 fine and guests may each face a $750 fine.
What about at events?"
In the red zone, just 10 people are allowed per facility indoors and 25 people outdoors. However, religious services, weddings and funerals are allowed to continue with 30 per cent capacity indoors or 100 people outdoors.
Can you go to a restaurant?
That's a tricky one. Technically, yes, you can since patios remain open and up to 10 people can dine indoors in the red zone. However, Hamilton's medical officer of health prefers you get takeout and eat at home.
What is allowed at restaurants?
In the red stage, last call for alcohol is 9 p.m., establishments must close at 10 p.m., just four people can be seated together, a maximum of 10 people total are allowed to dine inside, tables must be spaced at least two metres apart, face coverings are required except when people are eating or drinking, and the volume of music can be no louder than a normal conversation. Dancing and singing is not allowed.
What are the rules when you're working out?
Gym capacity allowances will shrink in the red zone, with just 10 people allowed in areas with weights or exercise equipment," and a maximum of 10 people allowed in an indoor fitness class and 25 allowed outdoors. The province says a maximum of 50 people are allowed per facility in all combined recreational fitness spaces or programs."
Hamilton public health recommends people wear masks at all times, particularly when doing high-intensity workouts such as Zumba, spin or hot yoga. Still, this is not a requirement outlined in any city bylaw or provincial law. People are allowed to remove masks while exercising.
What is a rule" versus recommendation?"
This became a hot topic in Hamilton when public health released new guidelines for gyms last month calling them requirements." Public health later backtracked saying the guidelines were just recommendations." However, any guidance public health puts forward is still technically enforceable under the Reopening Ontario Act.
What are the fines for flouting the province's Reopening Ontario Act laws?
Fines for individuals who fail to comply are $750 but could go up $1,000 if the person obstructs any person exercising a power in accordance with an order."
In addition, a host or organizer of a party with more people than is allowed may face a fine of $10,000 to $100,000 and a jail term.
Fines for corporations could be as high as $10 million, the province says.
Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com