The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is urging residents to comply with new provincial limits to private gatherings.

In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the province has decreased the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored private social gathering to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

The change went into effect across the province Saturday morning and will remain in place for the next four weeks. 

The new limits do not apply to gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing arts events.

“We understand that this step backward may be disheartening,” Lord Mayor Betty Disero said in a town media release. “But we refuse to lose hope that as a community, we will get through this together. We must remain calm and continue to comply with provincial orders and public health recommendations.”

The town's emergency control group has met about the reduction to gathering sizes and will be working with Niagara Regional Police “to
determine enforcement mechanisms,” the town said.

“Staff is monitoring these rapidly changing circumstances and will continue to respond accordingly and inform our residents of changes,” said interim chief administrator Sheldon Randall.

The town recommends the following practices to help people stay safe:

• Stay home when sick
• Keep children home from school when they are sick, even with mild symptoms.
• Monitor your symptoms and complete self-screening, as required.
• Practise physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at gatherings.
• Protect your social circle.
• Wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Adhere to gathering limits and rules.
• Be mindful of others.