COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Events and Gatherings - Halton Fact Sheet ...
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COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Events and Gatherings
Last Updated June 30, 2021
This document provides general Public Health guidelines for events and gatherings to reduce the risk of
transmission of COVID-19. It does not replace guidance from the Province. This document is for information
purposes only, and shall not be construed as legal advice.
Provincial Roadmap to Reopen at a glance
On June 30, the Province shifted into Step 2 of the, Roadmap to Reopen. Residents, organizations and
businesses must abide by the public health measures outlined according to the provincial step Halton is in at
the time (one, two or three). See O. Reg. 263/20 for regulations for Step 2. Regulations for Step 3 are
forthcoming.
Below are some of the activities that may apply to events and gatherings for each step. For details,
check the plan at Ontario.ca/reopen. For specific questions about COVID-19 provincial regulations, please
contact the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
Step 1
- Indoor meeting and event spaces are closed, with exceptions for social services, government
operations, court services, and in-person examinations for select professions
- Maximum 10 people permitted for outdoor gatherings
- Outdoor end-of-school-year celebration ceremonies held by a school or private school are exempt
from outdoor gathering limits, at reduced capacity
- Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services
permitted at 15% capacity
- Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies capped at the number of people that can maintain a
physical distance of two metres
Step 2
- Meeting and outdoor event spaces open at 25% capacity
- Indoor meeting and event spaces are closed, with exceptions
- Maximum 25 people permitted for outdoor public event and social gatherings
- Maximum 5 people permitted for indoor public event and social gatherings
- Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services
permitted at 25% capacity
- Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies capped at the number of people that can maintain a
physical distance of two metres
Step 3
- Indoor spaces open at reduced capacity, including for tradeshows, conferences and exhibitions
- Larger indoor, outdoor gatherings and religious services rite or ceremonies permitted at reduced
capacity
- Outdoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies capped at the number of people that can maintain a
physical distance of two metres
Facilities that host events must also follow relevant requirements and legislation including the Occupational
Health and Safety Act and the Consolidated By-law 47-20.
1As the spread of COVID-19 continues in Halton region, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health recommends
that residents:
Get fully vaccinated as soon as you can
Stick to your household as much as possible
Wash your hands regularly
Take public health precautions when spending time with people you do not live with
o spend time outdoors as much as possible
o keep physically distant (minimum two metres)
o wear a mask indoors and whenever physical distance cannot be maintained outdoors
COVID-19 transmission
Human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
respiratory droplets and aerosols produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks;
close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; or
touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing
hands.
COVID-19 can spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor spaces. This is because tiny aerosol droplets
containing the COVID-19 virus can remain suspended in the air or travel further than two metres.
Variants of concern
Viruses are constantly changing. As a virus makes copies of itself, its genes can make copying errors resulting
in mutations of the virus. Many of these mutations have little effect. However, when a mutated virus is shown to
spread more quickly or causes severe illness, they are called “variants of concern”. In Ontario, variants of
concern (VOCs) are becoming more and more common. As VOCs can be more easily spread, it is more
important than ever to follow public health guidelines.
COVID-19 vaccination
Getting vaccinated is one of the ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine protects you,
your staff and clients from getting sick from COVID-19. Here are some ways you can support vaccination at
your workplace:
Get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Book a vaccination appointment through Halton
Region’s online booking system or participating pharmacy.
Encourage staff to get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Share information on where to get
vaccinated Halton.ca/COVIDvaccines.
Develop workplace policies that will make it easier to get a vaccine, such as allowing staff paid time to
go for vaccine appointments.
Share COVID-19 vaccine resources, available in multiple languages, with staff.
Instructions for businesses and organizations from Halton Region’s Medical Officer of
Health
Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health has issued instructions to businesses and organizations to respond
quickly and effectively to the risk of a workplace outbreak. These actions will help owners and operators
protect their staff, patrons and the community. These include specific actions to take:
if businesses/organizations become aware that a worker at their workplace has COVID-19;
if businesses/organizations become aware that two or more workers have COVID-19 within the past
14 days; and
2 to protect all workers from COVID-19.
With COVID-19 variants of concern circulating in the community it is prudent to take a conservative approach
to cases involving workplace and community exposures.
The instructions are effective Saturday, May 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. They supplement existing requirements
from the Province and Halton Region Public Health officials and are reflected in this guideline.
Consider other ways to connect
Gathering in groups poses a risk for spreading COVID-19 to people in our community, including those most
vulnerable. It can also place a strain on our public health and health care resources. Consider ways to reduce
the need to gather in-person by holding the event online. Virtual gatherings are the safest way to visit or
recognize occasions with people from outside of your household. Be creative and find ways to build
relationships and maintain social connections to support the mental health and well-being of family, friends,
neighbours and community virtually.
Additional COVID-19 public health measures
The following COVID-19 Public Health Measures are recommended by Halton Region Public Health and
should be considered in all steps of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen.
Screen for COVID-19 symptoms
Ask guests who feel unwell not to attend your event, stay home and connect with their health care
provider.
Ask guests to complete Ontario’s COVID-19 self-assessment tool before arriving.
Place signage at entrances informing guests that they should not enter if they have COVID-19
symptoms, been told my a medical professional to isolate, been identified as a “close contact” of
someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, received an exposure notice on the COVID alert app or
travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days. See also protect yourself and others poster.
If feasible or when required:
o Actively screen guests prior to entry by asking if they have COVID-19, COVID symptoms, have
travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days or have had close contact with someone who
has or may have COVID-19. Do not permit entry to those who answer yes to any of these
questions, unless exempt.
o Maintain a record of all guests (including names, contact information, dates and times) who
enter the facility. These records should be kept confidential and could support case and contact
tracing by the local public health unit in the event of an outbreak.
If a positive COVID-19 case is reported, follow the steps outlined in the instructions for businesses
and organizations issued by Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health
Maximize physical distance
Ensure a minimum physical distance of two metres (six feet) is maintained at all times by all people
who are not from the same household.
Limit the number of people inside the premises at one time to ensure physical distancing can be
maintained
Remove surplus furniture and supplies from walkways so guests can move easily. When arranging
the dining space, position chairs to be two metres between guests seated at different tables.
Use signage, tape or floor markings (especially for line-ups) to support physical distancing. Organize
your space to allow for a one-way flow of people from entrance to exit.
Encourage guests to remain seated and stay within their dedicated space unless using the
washroom.
3 For multi-day events, guests should remain with the same group.
Encourage guests to download the COVID Alert app.
Reduce physical contact
Conduct registration, check-in and payment using online or contactless options.
Avoid or limit the sharing of equipment (for example, audiovisual equipment).
Access to the facility should only be permitted to staff and registered guests attending the event.
o Public access to event spaces should not be permitted.
Keep doors and windows open, where possible and while maintaining the appropriate security, to
minimize the touching of door handles and to increase ventilation.
Wear a mask
Consolidated By-law 47-20 requires individuals to wear a mask or face covering in indoor public
spaces.
Ask guests to wear a mask at unmonitored, private social gatherings, and provide masks to guests
who require them.
Masks should also be worn in other situations (for example, outdoors) when physical distancing
cannot be maintained.
Staff are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment that provides protection of the
person’s eyes, nose and mouth during all interactions that are within two metres (six feet) of co-
workers/patrons and are not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
Halton Region Public Health recommends staff wear a medical/procedural mask during all
interactions that are within two metres (six feet) of co-workers/patrons.
Staff are required to wear eye protection (e.g., goggles, face shield or safety glasses) during all
indoor interactions that are within two metres (six feet) of co-workers/patrons.
Note Prescription glasses DO NOT replace the need for eye protection; they may be
worn underneath face shields and some types of protective eye wear.
Eye protection is recommended during all outdoor interactions that are within two metres
(six feet) of co-workers/patrons.
Masks can be removed when eating or drinking but physical distancing of two metres (six feet)
between individuals must be maintained.
Encourage the proper use, removal and disposal of masks.
Masks do not replace other important public health measures, such as physical distancing, proper
hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or sleeve and staying home when feeling ill.
Keep hands and surfaces clean
Post signage to encourage guests to wash their hands frequently for at least 15 seconds with soap
and water or use alcohol-based (60-90 per cent alcohol) hand rub. Washing with soap and water is
preferred, if hands are visibly dirty.
Provide adequate hand hygiene supplies, including alcohol-based (60-90 per cent alcohol) hand rub
at entrances and exits and throughout the facility, including high-traffic areas such as lobbies and
washrooms.
Remind guests about cough and sneeze etiquette and to avoid touching their face. Provide tissues
and no-touch waste receptacles.
Conduct frequent cleaning and disinfection of all high touch surfaces and common areas including:
o door handles, light switches, table tops, chairs, sneeze guards, faucets, restrooms, touch
screens and dispensers
o shared equipment such as credit/debit card machines and cash registers
4 Use products that are approved by Health Canada, with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and
follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Ensure that each room is cleaned and disinfected between each event, including AV equipment,
podiums, tables and chairs.
Remove non-essential items that cannot be easily cleaned and disinfected.
Where possible, avoid the use of linens.
See COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Public Washrooms for guidance about cleaning and
disinfecting public washrooms.
See Cleaning practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Consider enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols for the facility overnight.
Be mindful serving food
For private gatherings:
Wash hands before and frequently during preparation. Wash hands before and after eating.
Consider serving individually plated meals or prepackaged food and drink to minimize handling.
Avoid self-serve buffets.
Designate one person or a limited number of people to distribute food.
Limit the use of shared items. Consider:
o Providing single-use, individually wrapped utensils and condiments.
o Providing different coloured or marked cups or glassware, to avoid confusion.
o Not providing shared food/beverage containers (such as pitchers of water and salt & pepper
shakers).
o Setting up small, individual bowls for snacks instead of one large one.
o Discouraging guests from sharing food from their plate with other guests.
For professional meeting and event facilities:
All food premises must comply with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 493/17: Food Premises.
For COVID-19 guidance please refer to COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Restaurants and other
Food and Drink Establishments.
Guests must remain seated when eating or drinking except while entering or exiting the area,
placing, picking up or paying for an order, using the washroom, or for a health and safety reason.
Equipment, such as coffee or fountain machines should be properly cleaned and disinfected as often
as is necessary.
If beverage refills are provided from behind the counter, fresh cups or containers should be used.
Ensure building ventilation is properly maintained
Ensure heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are maintained and operating as
designed.
Any changes to ventilation systems should be carried out in consultation with a professional.
Maximize fresh air intake by opening windows, if possible.
Limit the use of overhead ceiling fans especially ceiling fans on low ceilings. Avoid the use of
pedestal or high-powered fans on/near the floor.
Keep staff and guests safe
Use the provincial screening tool for workplaces to actively screen staff before each shift. If a staff
member screens positive and/or if they develop symptoms, direct them to:
o return or stay home;
o contact their health care provider or book an appointment at a local Assessment Centre for
testing; and
o self-isolate at home.
5 Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is available on-site for staff at all times and all staff
are trained on proper use.
Ensure protocols are in place if staff or patrons experience symptoms of COVID-19, including:
o notifying an available supervisor;
o immediately isolating the individual from others and asking them to wear a mask;
o limiting contact with the person and maintaining a physical distance of two metres (six feet) as
much as possible; and
o cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces that may have come into contact with the symptomatic
individual.
Maintain flexible policies to allow staff to stay home to care for a sick family member or self-isolate if
required.
Educate staff on public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including physical
distancing, proper frequent hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning and disinfection.
Additional resources
Halton Region Public Health:
o Cleaning practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19
o COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Public Washrooms
o COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Restaurants, Bars and other Food and Drink
Establishments (if food, snacks and/or beverages are offered at your facility)
o Instructions for businesses and organizations issued by Halton Region’s Medical Officer of
Health
Government of Ontario:
o Roadmap to Reopen
o Ontario Regulation 82/20: Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
(Rules for Areas in Shutdown Zone and Stage 1).
o Ontario Regulation 263/20: Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020
(Rules for Areas in Step 2).
More information
For more information and updates, visit: halton.ca/COVID19. For specific questions about COVID-19 provincial
regulations, please contact the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
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