Public Advisory: Update in Public Health Guidance for Gatherings and Spectator Capacities

  • Health and Community Services

November 12, 2021

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has updated Special Measures Orders as they relate to formal gatherings. As a result of decreasing COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates in the province, effective 12:01 a.m. on November 13, 2021, capacity limits will be increased for formal gatherings and select venues where proof of vaccination is required.

The updated measures are outlined below, along with a list of venues and/or activities that are not subject to any changes at this time.

Spectators/Attendees at Formal Gatherings and Venues where Eating or Drinking Does Not Occur

Indoor and outdoor gatherings operated by a recognized business or organization (e.g. weddings, funerals, faith-based gatherings, etc.), and recreational and arts facilities may operate at full spectator capacity, without physical distancing between seated spectators/attendees, provided the following measures are in place:

  • Proof of vaccination and proof of identity is provided by all attendees aged 12 years or older;
  • Spectators/attendees must wear non-medical masks at all times;
  • Eating and drinking is not permitted at the gathering or venue;
  • The gathering organizers or the venue owners/operators have a method of contacting attendees quickly via email or text, and contact information is kept for at least 14 days; and
  • Physical distancing of 2 metres may be maintained between spectators/attendees in common areas, including line-ups at ticket counters and washrooms.

Spectators/Attendees at Formal Gatherings and Venues where Eating and Drinking Occurs

Indoor and outdoor gatherings operated by a recognized business or organization (e.g. weddings, funerals, faith-based gatherings, etc.), and recreational and arts facilities where eating and drinking is permitted, may operate as described below, without physical distancing between seated spectators/attendees, provided the following measures are in place:

  • Proof of vaccination and proof of identity is provided by all attendees aged 12 years or older;
  • Spectators/attendees are separated into cohorts of up to 200 people, provided that 2 metres of distance between cohorts may be maintained in the seating areas;
  • The gathering organizers or the venue owners/operators have a method of contacting spectators/attendees quickly via email or text, and contact information is kept for at least 14 days;
  • Physical distancing of 2 metres may be maintained between spectators/attendees in common areas, including line-ups at ticket counters, concessions and washrooms;
  • Eating and drinking only occurs in the seated area;
  • Spectators/attendees must wear non-medical masks at all times, except when actively eating or drinking.

At this time, there is no change to public health guidance as they relate to the below:

  • Participants at arenas, gyms and fitness facilities, including yoga studios, indoor swimming pools, indoor tennis, squash facilities and dance studios;
  • Lounges;
  • Buffets at restaurants; and
  • Wakes and visitation.

Additional information related to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.

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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

2021 11 12 4:10 pm