Here's what you need to know about the new COVID-19 rules in Ottawa

Restaurants return to full capacity Ivan Gedz from Union Local 613 celebrates the removal of indoor capacities in restaurants.

Ottawa moves into the next step of the COVID-19 reopening plan today, lifting capacity limits at restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas and meeting and event spaces.

The Ontario government is moving to the next phase of the COVID-19 measures being eased, saying key public health and health system indicators are continuing to improve.

Starting today, private social gathering sizes increase to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Capacity limits are also lifted at several indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required.

In a statement this week, medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches said the level of Omicron in Ottawa is continuing to decline.

"We continue to urge caution especially for those at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and we continue to support people in higher-risk settings," Etches said.

CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what's reopening and the new capacity restrictions starting today in Ottawa and eastern Ontario.

SOCIAL GATHERING LIMITS

ORGANIZED PUBLIC EVENTS

REMOVING CAPACITY LIMITS

Ontario is removing capacity limits at the following indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required

CAPACITY LIMITS

Here are the capacity limits for venues

WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES

RETAIL STORES

Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain two metres physical distance.