John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Scotiabank Arena Capacity Will be Cut to 50%
The Ontario Government is ready to reimpose capacity restrictions on sporting events in Toronto.
As hinted at in Tuesday's Ontario COVID-19 briefing, the provincial government will be moving forward with a 50% capacity restriction on sporting events effective Saturday, December 18.
“This measure is being taken to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk indoor settings with large crowds and when masks are not always worn,” a news release from the province said.
Both the Raptors and the Leafs had been playing at 100% capacity since the start of the NBA's regular season back in October. The Raptors had been drawing over 19,000 fans, all of whom were required to be fully vaccinated if eligible for the vaccine. While mask wearing was required whenever fans were not actively eating or drinking, those restrictions were not followed very closely.
Toronto has already had multiple cases tracked to Scotiabank Arena including 19 people who tested positive following the Raptors' December 5 game against the Washington Wizards. People in Suites 243 and 244 were required to get tested for the virus.
The Raptors' next home game is scheduled for Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. Their previously scheduled home game on Thursday was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Chicago Bulls organization.
Further Reading
Raptors can't stop Patty Mills & Kevin Durant in game that probably shouldn't have even been played
Ontario public health officer expects news on capacity restrictions to be announced later this week
