As we ‘Step’ through the Provincial Roadmap to Reopen, we are reminded of the countless families who have been impacted by an unprecedented Global Pandemic that took everyone by surprise.
With a keen focus on keeping everyone as safe as possible, our team completed Pandemic Protocol Certification during the most recent Stay-at-Home order. Along with elevating and delivering successful events, the health and safety of our team, clients and fellow vendors is always a top priority.
While messaging through news outlets can be confusing, we rely heavily on the Ontario.ca website for reliable information that cuts through the noise.
Stepping into Step 2 – weather you are planning your wedding for the first, second or third time, thinking about reuniting with family and friends or looking to get back to work with corporate meetings, here is what you need to know about STEP 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen. Bear in mind, while these are the Provincial Guidelines, individual properties have the right to impose additional restrictions. We know of some venues that are not taking any bookings for events throughout 2021. Others have more stringent guidelines designed to protect their employees, clients, and overall reputation. Some, sadly, have minimum requirements that do not allow for the smaller, more intimate events. Another key factor is the ‘and other restrictions’ phrasing. What does this mean?
With a focus on weddings and events, specifically, here is our consolidation of “Step 2” along with a more defined look at ‘and other restrictions’
Gathering – here is where it gets tricky with regard to a ‘wedding’. Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Reception are two entirely different entities.
organized public event/social gathering/ social gathering associated with a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite, or ceremony <- this means a reception of any kind
5 people if the gathering is held indoors, or
25 people if the gathering is held outdoors
Indoor wedding, funeral or religious service, rite, or ceremony – with respect to gatherings for the purposes of a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite or ceremony, if the gathering is held in a building or structure other than a private dwelling. The number of persons occupying any room in the building or structure while attending the gathering must not exceed 25 per cent of the capacity of the particular room. All persons attending the gathering must comply with public health guidance on physical distancing.
Masks will be required by all for indoor events at this step.
Outdoor wedding, funeral or religious service, rite, or ceremony – with respect to gatherings for the purposes of a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite or ceremony. All persons attending the gathering must comply with public health guidance on physical distancing.
So that means, if we have the space, we can have the people. Be mindful of your guests and their comfort levels. If we invite 100 persons but cannot physically distance them by household (not bubbles) in an outdoor space, masks will be required. Summer months can be super hot…
Requirements that apply to individuals
Every person shall wear a mask or face covering in a manner that covers their mouth, nose, and chin during any period in which they are,
- in attendance at an indoor public event
- within two metres of another individual who is not part of their household
Conference Centres and Convention Centres may open for events or trade shows that are held outdoors if they comply with the conditions for outdoor meeting and event spaces, otherwise, they are closed. We are able, at Step 2 to book appointments for viewing for potential future events.
Indoor Photos Passes – no more than 5 patrons may be in the indoor space where photographs are taken at any one time, unless they are all members of the same household or a caregiver for any member of the household
Outdoor Photo Passes – no more than 20 persons per photo pass
There is more, so much more! This is just a consolidation to help you when making plans over the next three weeks. For complete information, please visit www.ontario.ca.
In the meantime, let’s keep planning, dreaming and working toward a brighter time when we can all safely gather and celebrate again!
Vigilance and Vaccines = Victory!
