A message from Ottawa Public Health
This year, the festivities of Easter and Ramadan will once again look and feel different. While some people are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19, we are all susceptible to infection with COVID-19 and spreading it to others. When deciding how to celebrate, everyone is reminded to assess their own level of risk and the health of every person in their household. If anyone in your household is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, everyone should choose lower risk activities to keep them safe.
Below are some reminders OPH is asking residents to keep in mind when planning their holiday celebrations this Spring:
- Indoor gatherings are now limited to five people.
- Outdoor public events and social gatherings are limited to 25 people.
- Outdoor events still require masks and appropriate social distancing.
- Bo Social WISE and always have your mask and hand sanitizer with you.
- Limit gatherings to those within your household.
- Plan a virtual or outdoor social activity maintaining a 2-meter distance apart.
- Order food from local businesses and/or restaurants.
- Share your family traditions through social media and tell us what makes it special for you!
- Try creating new traditions, like a virtual Easter egg hunt with friends and family.
- If using public transportation, a taxi, Uber or rideshare, make sure to follow the guidelines to keep safe.
- Give the gift of safety, if visiting friends and family, by doing a drive-by or dropping off gifts and treats.
Community Events
OPH has received recent inquiries from community groups and elected officials regarding public health guidance for community events. While OPH appreciates the consideration to consult on events, we are unable to provide any specific guidance and/or approval for events.
OPH advises anyone planning an event to follow the Province of Ontario’s current COVID-19 Response Framework. As of today, Ottawa falls under the Province’s “Red-Control” category. Under the Red-Control category, limits for all organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can be maintained, are as follows:
- 5 people indoors
- 25 people outdoors
Please note that the City of Ottawa is subject to a change in framework status at any time, and that the current gathering limits applied may change. We would encourage event organizers to continue to visit the Province’s COVID-19 Measures by Region webpage for the most up-to-date information for gathering limits in Ottawa leading up to their event.
Where activities are being planned, it is important that participants adhere to public health measures to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community. That means being COVIDwise:
In addition, event organizers might consider reviewing the following COVID-19 resources OPH has developed for businesses and/or event organizers. Organizers might find that some of the guidance provided in the documents below can be applied to their event space:
- OPH Business Toolkit (includes specific guidance for hosting events, including signage)
- COVID-19 Workplaces Business Page
- Provincial and City Rules (to ensure the event meets the current level of framework restrictions, organizers might consider reviewing this resource)
- COVID-19 Guidance for Indoor & Outdoor Special Events
- Workplace COVID-19 Measures Checklist
