Ottawa moves to “Red Zone” restrictions tonight, Friday, March 19, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., which means 50% capacity for most retailers.

Ontario announced that the Ottawa Public Health region would move to the Red-Control level in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. The decision was made at the request of the local medical officer of health due to the concerning trends in public health indicators in the region.

View RCC summary of each colour code.

Of great importance, retailers should note that a move to Red-Control level means capacity will be greatly reduced. For most retailers (non-grocery, non-pharmacy), this will mean 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. See RCC’s store capacity calculator for more information.

Health authorities did not consult with RCC on this sudden change. We have once again noted that businesses cannot make changes to staffing with such short notice, and doing so has a negative impact on their already challenged bottom lines.