The province is loosening capacity limits at some settings provided the crowds show proof of vaccination.
Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, announced higher capacity allowances starting tomorrow for most indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required.
The expanded capacity limits also apply to outdoor events at sports and concert venues.
Based on today's announcement, capacity limits increase to 50 per cent capacity or 10,000 people (whichever is less) at meeting and event spaces, sporting events, concerts, theatres, cinemas, racing venues, and commercial and film television productions with studio audiences.
Outdoor event venues where patrons stand will be allowed up to 75 per cent of their normal or 15,000 people, whichever is less.
In outdoor event venues where patrons are seated, limits will increase to 75 per cent of normal capacity or 30,000 people, whichever is less.
Seated events, according to the provincial announcement, have less risk of transmission because patrons are not moving around as much.
Also announced today, the province has extended its vaccine certificate rules to include outdoor venues where the normal maximum capacity is 20,000 people or more. Anyone attending those venues as spectators will have to provide proof of vaccination, even if the seating is outdoors.
Dr. Moore said he's able to recommend this "cautious" easing of capacity limits because of the vaccination rates and rate of transmission of COVID-19 in Ontario.
"Almost 80 per cent of eligible Ontarians are now fully vaccinated," said Moore. "But increased capacity limits does not mean we can let our guard down. We must remain cautious and humble."
