5:56 PM
The NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and the NBA's Toronto Raptors will be affected by the Ontario government reinstating capacity limits for large sports and entertainment venues.
Venues in Ontario that hold 1,000 people or more will be limited to 50% capacity on Saturday. The rising number of COVID-19 cases within the province prompted the measure to be taken.
The Toronto Maple Leafs play out of the same arena as the Raptors, in Toronto's Scotiabank Arena.
The Raptors will play the Golden State Warriors on Saturday and the Magic on Monday.
The Senators play their home games at Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment said in a statement that it will work to prioritize public health in the wake of these new restrictions. MLSE has some issues to work through because some of the Leafs games have sold more than 50% of their tickets.
MLSE said in a statement that they will provide follow up details to all ticket holders within 24 hours.
MLSE is launching an initiative called "Operation Mask Up (or out)" as part of the arena's enhanced protocols. If attendees do not strictly comply with enhanced masking measures, they will be ejected from the building.
Patrons were required to show proof of double vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the facility.
There were 2,386 new coronaviruses reported in Quebec on Monday. The omicron variant of the coronaviruses is the most contagious variant yet and is on the verge of becoming the most dominant strain in Ontario if it isn't already.
Ontario is the first place to restore capacity restrictions in the NBA and NHL as the number of coronaviruses increases.
The Associated Press contributed to the report.
