Vaccination requirements, capacity limits end today in Oshawa, Scugog and all across Durham

Thanks to the provincial government’s fast-tracked roadmap to recovery, proof of vaccinations will no longer be required at municipal recreation facilities, town halls, casinos, restaurants or sporting venues as of today.

That’s an area of concern for those who believe Queen’s Park is rushing the easing of pandemic restrictions, but music to the ears of businesses hamstrung by those same restrictions over the past two years.

COVID-19 numbers are trending in the right direction so hopefully the provincial response is the right response and businesses don’t have to pivot for the umpteenth time.

As of March 1 proof of vaccination is no longer required at municipal recreation facilities, town halls and facilities. Restaurants, indoor arenas and other venues can return to 100 per cent capacity – welcome news to the Oshawa Generals and dining establishments from Pickering to Beaverton.

Visitors, patrons and ticket buyers will still have to mask up and most venues will have self-screening protocols in places. As well, appointments will no longer be required at recreation facilities and municipal offices, though the City of Oshawa is easing into that requirement, with appointments still needed at City Hall until March 7.

As of March 1, provincially-mandated capacity limits and proof of vaccination to enter Town facilities will no longer be in place. COVID-19 self-screening will replace active screening for patrons, & mask requirements will remain in place. https://t.co/McAMleSc46 #COVID pic.twitter.com/F2nnOJRfzo

— Town of Whitby, ON (@TownofWhitby) February 28, 2022

Casinos, who have been especially anxious to return to full capacity, have also been quick to inform their patrons that vaccination certificates will no longer be required with all three Durham casinos posting the information on their social media pages.

Here is a list of the rules that are ending:

• A double vaccination requirement for patrons in restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, meeting and event spaces, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments.
• Social gathering limits of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
• Capacity limit of 50 per cent for sports arenas, concert venues and theatres.
• Capacity limits of 25 per cent for nightclubs, restaurants where there is dancing, bathhouses and sex clubs.
• Capacity limits of the number of people who can stay two metres apart at weddings and funerals, and in grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores and shopping malls.

It’s a brave new world out there.