Here's what changes in Waterloo region on Thursday as more pandemic restrictions lift

At 12:01 a.m. Thursday, more pandemic restrictions will lift across the province.

Even as that happens, the region's medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang is asking people to continue to follow public health guidance to wear a mask, keep a physical distance from other people and wash hands frequently.

"Our collective efforts are making an important difference and will serve us well as restrictions continue to loosen," Wang said in a news release this week.

"A cautious approach is still warranted, including completing your vaccine series and getting a booster, but it's very encouraging to see health system indicators continuing to improve."

The following is what changes as of Thursday.

Capacity limits

Social gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outside.

Organized public events are limited to 50 people inside. There is no limit for outdoor events.

For religious services, weddings and funerals, there's no specific limit but two metres of physical distance must be able to be maintained between people attending.

Other indoor settings, such as retail stores, shopping malls, grocery stores and pharmacies, will see capacity limits capped at the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.

Capacity limits are being lifted in the following settings, although proof of vaccination is still required:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities.
• Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms.
• Cinemas.
• Meeting and event spaces including convention and conference centres.
• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments.

There will be 50 per cent seating capacity, and proof of vaccination required, in:

• Sports arenas.
• Concert venues.
• Theatres.

There will be a 25 per cent capacity limit, and proof of vaccination required, in what has been deemed "higher-risk settings" including:

• Restaurants where there is dancing.
• Nightclubs.
• Bathhouses and sex clubs.

The province said in a release that the plan is to lift all capacity limits and proof of vaccination requirements for all settings as of March 1 "if public health and health system indicators continue to improve."

3rd doses for youth 12 to 17

On Friday, the province will allow youth aged 12 to 17 to get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so long as it has been 168 days (approximately six months) since their second dose.

In Waterloo region, young people can walk into any regionally-run clinic to get their third dose once they're eligible.

Vickie Murray, who leads the vaccine rollout in Waterloo region, said there is "lots of capacity" for these extra doses and she's hopeful the third doses will "help protect them from COVID-19 and to keep them in school and doing the activities they enjoy."

Clinic locations are on the region's website. Vaccines are also available at many pharmacies and some doctors' offices.