As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Canada, provinces are reinstating more public health measures to help slow the spread of the virus over the holidays. Here are the latest restrictions that affect food businesses.
Newfoundland & Labrador
As of Thursday morning, Newfoundland & Labrador has moved to COVID-19 Alert Level 3, which will be reassessed on January 10, 2022. The following measures apply:
- Restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity, so long as physical distancing measures are maintained. Buffets are not permitted.
- Bars, cinemas, lounges and bingo halls are closed.
- Weddings, funerals and other religious and cultural ceremonies are restricted to either 100 people or 50 percent capacity depending on which number is smaller, and physical distancing measures are maintained.
- People are encouraged to maintain a “steady 20” of close, consistent contacts outside of their household bubble, and informal gatherings such as at-home holiday parties are limited to those in their steady 20.
New Brunswick
Just before midnight on December 27, stricter Level 2 restrictions will come into effect in New Brunswick:
- Restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity. Businesses must check proof of vaccination before allowing entry.
- Entertainment centres, malls, retail stores, gyms, spas and salons can operate at 50 percent capacity with two metres of physical distancing between customers.
- Venues hosting public gatherings are limited to 150 people or 50 percent capacity, whichever number is smaller.
Quebec
In addition to the existing measures already implemented, these restrictions will come into effect on December 26:
- Restaurants are only permitted to serve groups of six or two family bubbles.
- Indoor gatherings are also limited to six people or two family bubbles.
Alberta
Starting December 24, these public health measures will come into effect in Alberta:
- Restaurants, bars and pubs are only permitted to serve a maximum table capacity of 10 people. Dancing or moving between tables is not permitted.
- Liquor service must end at 11:00 pm and the above establishments must close by 12:30 am.
- Venues that are part of the Restrictions Exemption Program that seat more than 1,000 people can operate at 50 percent capacity and no food or drink can be consumed.
British Columbia
More restrictions came into effect on Wednesday, in addition to the public health measures already implemented on Monday, December 20:
- Restaurants, cafes and pubs can seat a maximum of six people per table.
- Nightclubs and bars are closed.
- Sports games, movie theatres, concerts and other seated events can operate at 50 percent capacity.
- Indoor-organized gatherings such as weddings, receptions and parties are not permitted.
These new restrictions will be in place until January 18, 2022.