Here's what officials say you can and can't do in Hamilton during COVID-19 lockdown

Hamilton is officially in lockdown.

The grey category comes with the strictest measures of Ontario's COVID-19 framework, including closures.

Here's a look at what lockdown looks like, according to local and province public health officials.

Are social gatherings allowed?

It's illegal under a provincial order to gather indoors with anyone who doesn't already live under the same roof, the province says.

Residents are reminded not to visit others or have people over, although those who live alone can have close contact with one other household.

Outdoor gatherings, weddings and funerals are all limited to 10 people.

People are told not to leave home except for essentials including work, school, groceries or to seek health care.

Anyone who can work remotely is asked to do so.

Are schools and child care still open?

The province announced Monday that elementary students in Hamilton will be learning remotely until Jan. 11, with high school students staying out of the classroom until Jan. 25.

Child care will remain open, even during the province-wide shutdown, though school-aged children are not allowed to attend while their schools are closed.

How about entertainment or working out?

Cinemas are shut down.

Theatres and other performing art centres are barred from hosting audiences.

That said, rehearsing, recording or broadcasting performance is allowed, although people taking part must stay at least two metres away from each other when possible.

Gyms, yoga studios and other fitness facilities are all shuttered, along with all city-run recreation programming.

The city says playgrounds remain open during lockdown.

Trails maintained by the Hamilton Conservation Authority are also still open.

What about shopping?

With the holidays just around the corner, some may be looking to do some last-minute shopping.

Malls are only open for pick-ups and to allow access to essential services such as pharmacies.

Retail stores are only permitted to offer online orders, curbside pick-up and delivery.

Supermarkets, hardware stores, beer, wine and liquor stores are allowed to be open, as well farmers' markets and anywhere else that sells groceries. All indoor shopping is capped at 50 per cent capacity.

Garden centres and mechanics are allowed to stay open by appointment only.

Is the bus still running?

The HSR is still running, but the city is asking riders to only use it for essential trips such as going to work or picking up groceries and medication.

Transit users are also asked to limit their travel to leave room for essential workers.

HSR will not be provided free or extended service for New Year's Eve. Instead, people are encouraged to stay home.

Are bars open?

Bars and restaurants are closed for indoor and outdoor dining.

Take-out, drive-thrus and delivery are still options.

Can I get a hair cut?

Only if you have someone at home who's handy with scissors or clippers.

Lockdown means personal care services, which range from barbers and tanning salons to tattoos and piercings, are all closed.

Which city services are affected?

Municipal museums and the Gage Park greenhouse are among the lockdown closures.

All services at city hall, municipal service centres and the licensing counter can only be accessed by calling 905-546-2489 and setting up an appointment.

Some services are available online.

So how long does lockdown last?

The city will remain at its current level of a minimum of 28 days, which works out to Jan. 18, 2021.

An area's zone is based on its case data and hospitalizations.

The data is reviewed each week as part of a consultation with local health officials to determine if an area should move up, down or stay the at the same level.

Where can I learn more?

More specific information about restrictions can be found on the city's website or the guidelines provided by the province.