Here's what a return to modified Step 2 COVID-19 restrictions means for Waterloo region

Waterloo region, like the rest of the province, will move into a modified step two of COVID-19 restrictions as of Wednesday morning.

The move was announced by the Ontario government on Monday and will last until at least Jan. 26. 

It includes the move to remote learning for public and private schools until at least Jan. 17. School buildings can be open for child care and to provide in-person classes for students with special education needs who can't be accommodated remotely, and staff who cannot "deliver quality instruction from home."

The region's medical officer of health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, said in a press release that the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 has pushed case numbers higher than have been seen before in the community.

The number of reported new COVID-19 cases in Waterloo region was 487 on Tuesday, although that number is believed to be below the actual number of cases due to limitations on who can get a PCR test.

But Wang said the measures taken to curb spread of the virus will be temporary.

"We will overcome this wave of COVID-19, like we have done before, and to do so we must continue to work together to protect our community and our health system," Wang said in the release.

Regional officials encouraged people to get their first, second and/or third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they're eligible. Appointments can be booked through the region's website.

Here's a look at what's allowed:

How many people can I gather with socially?

For indoor gatherings, the limit is five people.

For outdoor gatherings, the limit is 10 people.

I have a surgery booked. Will that happen?

The three hospitals in Waterloo region announced that from Jan. 4 to Jan. 17, they would only provide urgent, emergent and cancer surgical procedures. 

On Wednesday, the province says chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore will reinstate directive two for hospitals, which will "pause all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures in order to preserve critical care and human resource capacity."

If you have a medical concern, local officials encourage people to reach out to their family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or Telehealth Ontario, or go to the hospital if it's an emergency.

I need to talk to someone from the municipality. Can I?

Most municipal offices remain open but people are asked to do business through their municipality's website or by phone. In-person meetings are by appointment only.

Can I go to the library?

Yes. Libraries are allowed to be open at 50 per cent capacity.

But many local libraries are reducing operating hours to:

• Kitchener Public Library — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays.
• Waterloo Public Library — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays.
• Idea Exchange in Cambridge — 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm.
• Region of Waterloo Library — No changes to hours, however, service in Breslau is suspended until at least Jan. 26.

Can I eat at a restaurant?

No. Indoor dining at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments won't be permitted. 

But you can get takeout, go through the drive-thru or get delivery. As well, outdoor dining is allowed with restrictions.

If you're hoping to enjoy a drink while dining outdoors, the sale of alcohol is restricted after 10 p.m. and the consumption of alcohol at an establishment ends at 11 p.m. Alcohol can still be sold through delivery and takeout during these times.

Can I hold or attend religious services and ceremonies?

Yes, but there are limitations.

Indoor weddings, funerals or religious services are limited to 50 per cent of the capacity of the room in which they're being held.

Outdoor services are limited to the number of people who can maintain two metres of physical distances. However, social gatherings like receptions must be within the social gatherings limits (five people inside, 10 people outside).

Can I go shopping?

Yes. Retail stores and shopping malls can be open at 50 per cent capacity.

At malls, physical distancing is required for lineups. The province says loitering "will not be permitted."

As well, food courts must close.

For farmers' markets in the region, they will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

The food hall at Kitchener Market will remain open for takeout.

The Cambridge Farmers' Market reminds people they can place online orders or ask in advance for pick up.

Can I get a haircut or my nails done?

Yes. Personal care businesses can operate at 50 per cent capacity. Saunas, steam rooms and oxygen bars are closed.

Can I go see a movie or a concert?

No. Indoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas will be closed. Rehearsals and recorded performances are permitted with restrictions.

Can I go to a local attraction?

Not if it's indoors. Museums, art galleries, zoos, science centres, historic sites, gardens and other similar sites will be closed.

Outdoor sites can be open at 50 per cent capacity.

Can I go for a swim or to work out?

Not indoors. Indoor sports and recreational facilities like gyms will be closed to the public.

Indoor winter programs offered by the cities and townships will be postponed until further notice.

Kitchener says the outdoor synthetic rinks will remain open at the Kitchener Market and 44 Gaukel St. Other community rinks will be open depending on weather.

The rink in Waterloo Public Square is open, with face coverings and physical distancing required.

Exceptions will be made for athletes training for the Olympics or Paralympics and "select professional and elite amateur sports leagues."

Oh, so can I go see a hockey game?

No. Arenas will be closed to spectators. Games held outdoors are permitted, but the number of spectators can't exceed 50 per cent of the occupancy.