Targeted measures will also be implemented in Ottawa, Peel, and Toronto as a result of their higher than average rates of transmission. These include:

• setting an indoor capacity limit to restrict occupancy at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs), and other requirements;

• restricting group exercise classes at gyms and other fitness settings to 10 individuals, as well as restricting the total number of people allowed at these facilities to a maximum of 50; and

• setting a limit on the number of people allowed at meeting and event facilities, including banquet halls, to six people per table and 50 people per facility.

In addition, the government is:

• extending the pause on any further reopening of businesses, facilities, and organizations for an additional 28 days, unless already permitted to open under O. Reg 364/20 ;

• pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else; individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household; and

• finalizing additional guidance for seniors (70 and over) on how to minimize their risk of acquiring COVID-19, including for upcoming annual gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.

Note: Municipal leaders have been asking for such public health guidance with these upcoming community events coming soon.

There are also provincial changes to the COVID-19 Testing procedures which include:

• transitioning to appointment-based testing at Ontario assessment centres beginning Tuesday, October 6, 2020, to provide certainty to patients as to when they can receive a test during the winter and allowing assessment centres to conduct enhanced screening to ensure adherence to the guidelines released on September 24, 2020 ;

• beginning on Sunday, October 4, 2020, assessment centres will discontinue walk-in testing services, so the Province's lab network can make progress in processing tests and to allow assessment centres the necessary time to be prepared for the new appointment-based model;

• continuing mobile testing and pop-up testing centres to reach vulnerable populations and provide targeted testing for long-term care, congregate care, and other vulnerable populations;