And the crowd went wild.
The Ontario government announced new capacity limits for public venues, including pro sports stadiums and theatres.
The announcement means that indoor Ontario stadiums and theatres where proof of vaccination is required will be able to accommodate up to 50 per cent of typical capacity, up from 25 per cent, and up to 10,000 people. It also includes banquet halls, conference venues and filming locations. Outdoor venues where people stand can hold up to 75 per cent capacity up to 15,000 people, while outdoor venues where people have assigned seating can hold up to 75 per cent up to 30,000 people.
That means that the Toronto Blue Jays for instance, which are in the midst of a heated playoff race, will be able to have up to 30,000 fans in the stands in its final three regular season home games of the year, up from 15,000.
The policy is effective as of Sept. 25.
"I'm a big fan, I want to see them succeed," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore. The Rogers Centre, which hosts the Blue Jays, is considered an "outdoor venue" even if the roof is closed, with considerations given to the site's air circulation.
The Ontario Hockey League also welcomed the news, as it will mean the league — which did not play any games last season — will be able to open on time this year. "The regular season is fast approaching and it’s an exciting time for everyone," said Commissioner David Branch. "This announcement only amplifies that energy as the league and its member teams look forward to welcoming more of our great fans into venues across the province."
Health Minister Christine Elliott emphasized that this was a "cautious" approach towards reopening. "With the added layer of protection offered by proof of vaccination, we are ensuring our businesses can remain safe and open as we continue to reach even more Ontarians who have yet to receive a first or second dose."
Movie theatres and other arts venues will also benefit from the new policy.  They had complained that the existing policies were overly strict given that patrons have assigned seating, don't interact with one another and that theatres have been safe in other jurisdictions with more permissive rules. Meanwhile, restaurants did not benefit from more permissive rules, with Moore advising a cautious and prudent approach.
In that vein Ontario's top doctor said that the vaccine certificates implemented in Ontario earlier this week will continue through the fall and winter at least, citing modelling that shows a "significant rise in COVID-19 in January and February after the Christmas holidays."
The Goldilocks recalibration of Ontario's public health standards comes as the province has pushed its reproductive value below one, meaning that case numbers are shrinking. But it also comes as schools have been reopened for a few weeks, Alberta has struggled mightily, and some health experts are worried about a fifth wave precipitated in part by vaccine stragglers and the impending cold weather.
One such expert worried about opening up rules too soon is the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario's Doris Grinspun. "I don't think it's the time to start opening more," she said. Grinspun said the focus should be on trying to prevent a fifth wave in the winter and that another tactic, mandatory vaccination for health-care workers, would prove more effective on that count.
"We are missing the boat in terms of understanding what is happening in Alberta," she warned, although she added that with Moore, who she sees as an effective top doc, Ontario is unlikely to reach the same heights as the western province is experiencing at the moment.
And she worried what it could mean if the appeal to toss a bone to the entertainment factor of Ontarians — and the economy — backfires, saying that the subsequent work to deal with any fallout will fall on the backs of health-care workers.

Government increases capacity limits at stadiums and theatres

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