Ontario delays lifting of limits on nightclubs

Ontario is putting a pause on plans to lift capacity limits in settings such as night clubs and wedding receptions where there is dancing.

Last month, the government had set Nov. 15 as the date to lift capacity limits at night clubs. Leaders said in a Wednesday news release that they had changed their plans after the COVID-19 positivity rate and other health metrics increased.

"To protect our hard-fought progress and ensure we can continue to manage COVID-19 for the long-term, more time is needed before we can take the next step forward in our reopening plan," Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said in a news release.

The province lifted capacity limits on concert venues, theaters, restaurants, bars, casinos, and many other facilities in October. People are required to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination in many settings.

The government said Ontario continues to have one of the lowest rates of active cases in the country and said its hospital and intensive care capacity remains stable.