Thursday, March 18, 2021 – Ottawa is entering the province’s Red Zone as of midnight tonight (Thursday). Under the Red control zone restrictions, second only to Lockdown in terms of severity, public events and social gatherings are limited to five people indoors and 25 outside. Religious ceremonies, as well as wedding and funerals, where physical distancing can be maintained, are limited to 30 per cent of the room’s capacity, or, in the case of outdoor ceremonies, 100 people. Supermarkets and other stores selling primarily groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies are limited to 75 per cent capacity, while other retail establishments are limited to 50 per cent.
Other Red zone restrictions include:
At restaurants and bars: maximum of 10 people seated indoors; no buffets; a maximum of four people seated together, with occupied tables at least two metres apart; face coverings required except while eating or drinking; and contact tracing information required. Establishment’s must be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., can only sell or serve liquor between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., while liquor may not be consumed after 10 p.m. Dancing, singing and live music are not allowed, while the volume of recorded music must be low enough to allow normal conversation.
For sports and recreational facilities, two metres physical distancing must be maintained at all times, or three metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment, and in exercise and fitness classes. Indoor areas with weights and exercise machines are limited to 10 people where physical distancing can be maintained. Indoor classes are limited to 10 people, while outdoor ones may accommodate 25. Spectators are not permitted, except in the case of participants under 18, who may have one parent or guardian watch. Team sports are not allowed, except for training.
