Toronto Mayor John Tory announced Wednesday the city would disregard previous COVID-19 restrictions and open its city buildings to visitors starting Feb 22. However, visitors will be required to continue social distancing and wear face masks.
Approximately 20% of city employees work remotely, according to Tory, but the entire staff will return to the office by March 21. Toronto provided city services to residents virtually up until the announcement.
Next week, @cityoftoronto will begin the safe and gradual re-opening of City Hall and other city buildings to visitors.
Find a full list of counter services available in person here: https://t.co/yZ5OaKxtJG pic.twitter.com/It2jziP5do
— John Tory (@JohnTory) February 16, 2022
This comes after the province of Ontario announced Monday it would drop many of its COVID-related restrictions after Thursday and disband nearly all of them by March 1. Over 200,000 Ontarians have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, and more than 2.5 million Ontarians have received their booster since the province enacted restrictions at the beginning of the year, according to a press release.
WATCH: SKELETONS IN TRUDEAU’S CLOSET RESURFACE AS HE CONDEMNS ‘FRINGE’ TRUCKERS
Tory claimed this news from the province “further solidifies these cautiously optimistic plans and gives us the confidence that we need to reopen as a city.” Buildings will remain closed for events, community meetings, displays, and rental space.
Ontario Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott pointed to the province’s vaccination rate Wednesday in explaining the decision.
“Thanks to the province’s high vaccination rates and the continued sacrifices of Ontarians, we are now in a position where we can move forward in our plan earlier than anticipated,” Elliott said.
Starting Friday, children 12-17 will be eligible for a booster shot.
Payments and inquiries regarding property tax, utilities, parking violation payments, zoning, and construction can be completed in person. Additionally, marriage licenses will now be available in person with an appointment. All services will become available in person on March 21.
The city’s Employment and Social Services offices and Early Learning and Child Care Centre are open and will continue to provide services but will not be available for in-person counter services.
Ontario is still restricting capacity at events and spaces that don’t require proof of vaccination but will lift all capacity restrictions on spaces that require proof, such as cinemas, casinos, restaurants, and gyms. After March 1, the province plans to lift all capacity limits and vaccination requirements. Instead, it will allow businesses to decide whether to ask for verification of vaccination.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Earlier this week, the western, less-populous province of Alberta lifted mask mandates in schools.
Canada is accepting rapid antigen test results from vaccinated travelers. The country previously only accepted results from molecular tests.
