Toronto and Peel Enter Lockdown

As of this morning (November 23, 2020), Toronto and Peel Public Health Units are now in “Lockdown” for the next 28 days. Most businesses – including commercial gyms, most retail stores, and restaurants – are closed to the public. Grocery stores, hardware stores, and pharmacies will remain open, and restaurants and most retail are only be able to serve customers through delivery or curbside pickup. With few exceptions, indoor gatherings with those outside one’s household are banned. More information is here:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#grey

It is unclear at this time whether the Lockdown measures affect residential and condominium amenities. As mentioned in a previous newsflash, Toronto advised that the Rules previously requiring gyms to close in Stage 2 only applied to commercial gyms, and did not apply to gyms in condominiums and residential buildings. Neither Toronto nor Peel have issued any instructions to close gyms or other indoor amenities in condominiums or residential buildings.

However, despite this uncertainty, and considering the second wave of COVID-19 cases in Toronto and Peel, and the announced lockdown, our recommendation is that gyms, pools, and other indoor amenities should be closed until further notice.

If a condominium corporation chooses to keep an indoor amenity open, it must limit access to one household at a time. The Rules for Lockdown do not permit any gatherings indoors with individuals outside one’s household, with exception of individuals who live alone (who may see one other household) and persons requiring care (who may be seen by a caregiver). These exceptions are unlikely to apply in the context of gyms, pools, and cinemas. The corporation may only keep an amenity open if it is satisfied that it can do so safely.

We will provide updates as we learn more and as the situation develops.