Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns

Gatherings and ceremonies

If there is room for people to stay at least two metres apart:

  • Up to 10 people can gather outdoors.
  • Up to 5 people can gather indoors.
  • If you live alone, you may have close contact with one other household.

Indoor and outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies including weddings and funerals are permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of two metres.

Outdoor and indoor sports and fitness

All outdoor and indoor sports and fitness facilities are closed.

Indoor dining

Indoor dining is not permitted.

In-store shopping

The City encourages everyone to shop where they live; order online, use curbside pickup or delivery services. For a directory of local shops visit guelph.ca/guelphshops.

In-store shopping is limited to 50% capacity at essential retail stores:

  • Pharmacies, supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores and markets primarily selling food;
  • Big box stores can sell all goods;
  • Stores selling beer, wine and spirits.

The City encourages everyone to shop where they live. Order online, use curbside pickup or delivery services. For a directory of local shops visit guelphshops.ca.

Read the full list of Provincial restrictions or refer to O. Reg. 510/21 for details.

Report a concern

To report a concern about gatherings or business not following COVID-19 guidelines:

Our approach to enforcement

Our role is to communicate, educate and enforce provincial orders. We’re using a fair and reasonable approach and will issue charges and fines for blatant, deliberate or repeated violations of the Reopening Ontario Act.

Guelph Police and Bylaw officers will not randomly stop people while they’re out driving, walking, running, cycling, skating etc.

People can get out for work, groceries, healthcare and exercise as needed. There is no requirement for everyone to be home at a certain time of day.

Guelph Police and Bylaw officers may:

  • Disperse or issue charges or fines for indoor or outdoor gatherings that violate the Reopening Ontario Act;
  • Issue charges or fines to people who refuse to wear a mask or face covering as required indoors and on public transit;
  • Require a person to provide information to determine compliance where there is reason to suspect that person is involved in a prohibited gathering.

Charges and fines

  • Failure to comply with the Act could result in a $750 fine.
  • Obstructing anyone from performing an activity or duty under the Act could result in a fine of $1,000.

In addition to set fines, the City is prepared to issue court summons for people or business owners who deliberately or repeatedly violate the Reopening Ontario Act. If convicted, the court would determine fines and penalties:

  • A person could be fined up to $100,000 and face up to a year in prison;
  • A director or officer of a corporation (business owner) could be fined up to $500,000 and face up to a year in prison;
  • A corporation may be subject to a fine of up to $10,000,000.

The City will also consider revoking licenses for businesses that refuse to follow provincial regulations.