Ontario moves three regions to Red, 50% capacity for those retailers

Brant, Chatham-Kent and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark district move to the “Red Zone” restrictions on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., which means a reduction to 50% capacity for non-essential retailers

Ontario announced on March 19, 2021 that the following regions will change colour in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.

Red-Control (50% Capacity):

• Brant County Health Unit;
• Chatham-Kent Public Health; and
• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

Orange-Restrict (100% Capacity with enhanced saftey measures):

• Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

Yellow-Protect (100% Capacity with enhanced saftey measures):

• Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health;
• North Bay Parry Sound District;
• Porcupine Health Unit; and
• Timiskaming Health Unit.

There were no adjustments made to Toronto and Peel and so they will remain in the grey zone for the coming week. In response to requests from Toronto and Peel to see outdoor dining and outdoor fitness allowances made within the grey zone, the Premier has signaled that he is open to making adjustments to the framework to fit with changing circumstances such as warmer weather and ongoing vaccination rollout.  These changes are expected next week.

Click here for an RCC summary of each colour code.

Retailers should note that a move to Red-Control level means capacity will be greatly reduced. For most retailers (non-grocery, non-pharmacy), this means 50% capacity defined as “no more customers than the total square metres of sales floor, less fixtures, divided by 8 m²”. This capacity restriction applies to customers only – employees do not count towards the limit.