City council approves new COVID-19 limits on bars, restaurants amid pandemic’s second wave

Thestar.com
Oct. 1, 2020
Jennifer Pagliaro

Council has unanimously passed new rules for Toronto during the pandemic as a second wave continues to concern officials.

The rules include reducing the number of people allowed in restaurants and bars at one time from 100 to 75 and requiring everyone visiting those places to provide contact information instead of just one person in the party as was previously the case. Table sizes both indoors and outdoors will also be reduced from 10 to six people.

The changes further limit eating and drinking establishments that are subject to provincial emergency orders, with Toronto cases making up more than half of the new daily cases in the province this week.

The vote, which saw little debate among members, follows recommendations by medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa as the number of new cases in the city neared 400 on Monday.

Restaurants and bars should also limit background music and TVs to no louder than normal conversations to avoid people having to shout to be heard, increasing the risk of virus transmission.

Other existing measures, including requirements for apartments and condos to provide hand sanitizer in building common areas, were extended to 2021.

Mayor John Tory also introduced additional measures ahead of the meeting that were approved by council.

Those included asking staff to “explore” how to support the restaurant industry with winter patios and asking the province to extend rules for liquor sales with takeout and delivery and to pause commercial evictions.

“I am committed to doing everything possible as a city government to help restaurants and other businesses that are hard hit by the public health measures, whatever they might be,” Tory said at a press conference ahead of the council meeting, adding he expected council to be united on new measures recommended by de Villa.

Coun. Joe Cressy, chair of the board of health, also had a successful motion to ask the medical officer of health to consider “any additional measures” required to prevent virus spread, including but not limited to restricting businesses, social gatherings and enhancing screening.

And Coun. Frances Nunziata, council’s speaker, asked staff responsible for enforcement to review existing resources and opportunities for reallocation and report to executive committee.

Meanwhile, the city announced Tuesday it would extend road closures under its popular ActiveTO program into October to allow for social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists. That includes upcoming closures this weekend on Lake Shore Boulevard and Bayview Avenue.

The city also announced in a press release it would make changes to access to its 10 long-term-care homes, restricting outside visitors to those deemed “essential” -- those visiting a person who is very ill or palliative -- and essential caregivers who provide direct support to residents. Virtual visits will continue.

Earlier on Wednesday, council also endorsed an action plan and shelter strategy, asking the provincial and federal government to contribute to the building of 3,000 affordable rental and supportive homes in the next 24 months to address the housing crisis in the midst of the pandemic.