With the daily number of new cases of COVID-19 on the decline in Ontario, the province is allowing people to build so-called "social circles" of up to 10 people, including people from another household.
According to officials, members of a social circle will not be required to practise physical distancing when together. This means that extended family and friends, if they are part of the same circle, will once again be allowed to hug, shake hands, or kiss.
"The rules for social circles are different from the proposed expansion of social gatherings from five to 10 people," the province said in a statement released Friday. "Social gatherings can be any 10 people from outside your household, but where physical distancing of at least two metres should be maintained. For example, the expansion of social gatherings enables individuals and families to enjoy the company of others at backyard barbeques and picnics in neighbourhood parks, while respecting physical distancing advice."
The announcement was made Friday by Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.
"At the outset of the pandemic, we had to make the necessary, but difficult decision to ban large public gatherings and strongly advise physical distancing with everyone except immediate household members" said Premier Ford. "As the public health trends improve and our collective efforts start to pay off, we're now able to take another step forward today by allowing families and their loved ones to reunite and spend time with one another safely through social circles."
The guidelines set by the province say no person should be part of more than one circle. Ontarians are also advised to make sure they get agreement from everyone that they will join the circle, and keep the circle safe by maintaining physical distance with those who are not in the circle.
While members of a circle will not have to practise physical distancing with each other, they will need to take other steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread like frequent hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
"Ontarians should think of their circles as the people they can touch, hug and come into close contact as we continue our shared fight against COVID-19," said Minister Elliott. "While this is an exciting step forward, every Ontarian should follow the advice provided by our public health experts to ensure they do so safely and in a way that limits the spread of this virus, including and especially by only being part of one circle. We all owe it to each other to act responsibly."
The announcement from the province came on the same day that health officials revealed that, despite nearly 29,000 tests being done in the province over the previous 24 hours, only 182 new cases of COVID-19 were reported.
