Deputy Premier Gord Wyant delivered broad outlines about the first moves in Phase 4 reopening during the Government’s briefing on June 11. Among the relaxation in restrictions were expanded capacities for places of worship and for graduation ceremonies.

The newly revised guidelines make provision for a one-third of capacity seating cap for churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship. The capacity caps off at one-third of the building’s capacity or 150 people, whichever is less. Within the new capacity, health officials also acknowledge the need to maintain physical distancing as best as possible. 

The guidelines also apply to weddings and other ceremonies.

Similarly, rules around graduation gatherings have also changed. While the government continues to recommend virtual ceremonies as the safest option, they are also lifting gathering restrictions to allow for up to 30 grads to participate in outdoor ceremonies with up to 150 people in attendance, so long as families and friends are cohorted in “bubbles” that respect 2 metres or greater social distancing. Schools with more than 30 grads would need to conduct multiple ceremonies

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab emphasized the need to provide for appropriate distancing within growing numbers of people.

“As much as we can, adherence to physical distancing remains important. When we have larger groups, have that cohort of 30 in an outdoor gathering where we have physical distance between households within that cohort. In a larger event like a graduation, groups of 30 should be separated from other groups of 30 so that in case there is an issue, it’s limited to groups of 30.

Wyant noted that the decision to allow larger gatherings for faith ceremonies was based on consultations with faith leaders and medical authorities. It was felt that the relative size of houses of worship and the strict adherence to a series of established practices would minimize the risk of transmission.

As for graduations, many schools have opted for virtual ceremonies, banner raisings, or community parades to celebrate their grads. 

Dates for the activation of other Phase 4 guidelines are expected to be announced next week.