Ontario raises COVID capacity limits

Ontario is further loosening capacity rules as COVID-19 vaccination rates increase and public health indicators remain stable.

Beginning Saturday, facilities such as concert venues, theaters, and cinemas will be able to operate at 100% capacity. Limits are also being lifted at sports venues, racing tracks, and meeting and event spaces.

Ontario officials say there have been a limited number of outbreaks in those types of settings.

People will still need to provide proof of vaccination to enter indoor facilities and masks may be required. Facilities may need to screen and collect information on patrons in case contact tracing as needed.

Ontario residents have been required to provide proof of vaccination to enter certain public settings and facilities since Sept. 22. The latest change comes two weeks after the government eased capacity limits for some settings where proof of vaccination is required.

Provincial officials say more than 86.8% of people age 12 and over in Ontario have now received at least their first dose of vaccine. Ontario has one of the lowest rates of active cases in the country.

"Now is not the time to let our guard down. We must all continue doing our part and continue strictly following the measures that remain in place and get as many people as we can fully vaccinated, especially as we enter the holiday season," said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, in a news release.

Monday is Thanksgiving in Canada.