Public Health Orders regarding events have been amended, changed, updated, and changed again a total of 6 times in the last 2 months. Confusing right? What you might have missed is that you can still have guests over to your home for dinner. As of the date of this newsletter, here is what is allowed until the next expected update on Feb. 16th:
Inside Events – in Private Residences:
- You can host an event at your home.
- You can have 10 other people at your home including the event staff OR you can have one other family over that all live together in the same house + event staff, and that is allowed to be more than 10 people.
- Everyone on premise over the age 11 yrs. must be vaccinated including event staff.
Inside Events – Business:
- Lectures, presentations, conferences, conventions, trade fairs, and workshops are allowed. There can be no stand-up events in conjunction with these.
- Capacity is 50% of the normal seated area. That does not include event staff.
- Access must be controlled and Vaccine Passports are required for everyone 12 yrs. of age and older, no matter how few guests. (now extended to June 03, 2022)
- Every guest must have a seat assigned and they must remain seated except to visit the bar or food stations and washrooms. No more than 6 guests per table. Guests must not table hop.
- Masks must be worn at all times except when consuming food or drink at a seat.
- Dance floors and dancing is not permitted.
Inside Events – Social:
- You cannot host a wedding reception or any gathering acknowledging or celebrating a significant event such as a birth, birthday, engagement, retirement, promotion, the receipt of an award, or celebration of life. No sponsored or ticketed events. NO INDOOR EVENTS PERIOD… unless it’s in your home and you adhere to the rules listed above.
Outside Events:
- Defined as in a tent with out any sides or simply outside with no covering. Capacity limit is 50% of what the area would normally seat. That does not include event staff. The organizer must ensure guests are not congregating inside but guests can use inside washroom facilities (while wearing a mask).
- Everyone must have a seat and you cannot have or promote a stand-up event.
- Dance floors and dancing is not permitted.
- Masks are not mandated.
- Vaccines are not mandated if access to the event is through an outdoor public space like a park for instance.
As we said… confusing most of the time, so if you have questions or need our guidance, give us a call and we’ll talk you through it. At the very least we believe this summer will be much like the last with events outdoors, or with good ventilation, being de rigueur. Fingers crossed.