ndoor dining will be banned and gyms will be forced to close as the Ontario government goes back to a modified Step 2 of their COVID-19 roadmap aimed at stopping the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Gatherings will be reduced once again from 10 people indoors to five people, from 25 people to 10 people outdoors, and capacity at retail stores will be lowered to 50 per cent, Premier Doug Ford also announced Monday.

The new measures will go into effect on Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. and be in place for at least three weeks (until Jan. 26) before being reassessed.

The new restrictions also include the closure of indoor concert venues, theatres, and cinemas, along with museums, galleries and zoos. Restaurants and bars will be allowed to open for outdoor dining, takeout and delivery while personal care services will be reduced to 50 per cent capacity.

Schools will also be closed from Jan. 5 until Jan. 17 for in-person learning.

Hospitals have also been directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health to pause all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries to preserve critical care capacity.

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