Here's what you can and can't do under Ontario's stay-at-home order

It's not our first stay-at-home order, but the fine print on Ontario's latest pandemic restrictions havesome scratching their heads nevertheless.

The new measures that went into effect Thursday orderresidents to stay put unless it's for necessities like going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health-care services, exercising outdoors, or going to school or work if those activities can't be done remotely.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson urged residents Wednesday to comply with the new rules, warningcity bylaw officers will enforce them.The city's bylaw services director Roger Chapman told CBCin an email Thursdaythat his department is still "reviewing the province's amended regulations," and will update the public on the details as soon as possible.

The order is expected to last 28 days. Some of the rules are clear.Others, not so much.

So what can and can't you do now? Here are some answers.

Can I go for a walk with a friend?

You're allowed to go for a walk, jog or other outdoor exercise activity but you can only do it with someone who's a member of your household, says the province.

If you live alone, the province says you can gather with one other household, so you should be OK to go for a walk with only those in that household.

Can I take my kids to the park or playground?

Last March, the city closed all its municipal parksandplaygrounds, including off-leash dog parks.

So far, the city hasn't announced any similar closures. As long as those parks and playgrounds near your home remain open, you can take your kids there.

The city "stronglyrecommends" people wear masks at parks and playgrounds, however.

How about taking my dog to the dog park?

You can walk your dog in your neighbourhood. If you live near an off-leash park that has remained open, you can let your pet run around there.

Can I use basketball and tennis courts or skate parks?

Yes, the city says people can shoot hoops and play someone-on-one on basketball courts, but stick with members of your household. That means no big games orscrimmages.

You can play tennis, again with members of your own household. You can also go skateboarding at a skate park.

Whatever the activity, the city asks that you to wear a mask as much as possible, and maintain a safe distance both on and off the court.

Can I have 5 or fewer friendsover tomy backyard?

According to the province's regulations, the outdoor gathering limit of five people applies to organized public events or social gatherings that are allowed by law wedding receptions, for example.

"For greater certainty, nothing in this order permits an individual to gather with other individuals if the gathering is not permitted by law," reads the official document.

So if a friend invites you over to hang out in their backyard, stay home, says the province. Ifyou live alone, you can gather with one other household, indoors or outdoors.

The regulations stateyou can still use outdoor areas such asbackyards or balconies, or common areas like building courtyards orlobbiesif they're open. So aslong as there are only five members of your own household at the barbecue, you should be fine.

Remember, stay two metres apart and wear masks around people outside your household.

• Click here for a detailed list of what's allowed under the stay-at-home order

Can I go to my cottage?

Travel between regions or outside the province is discouragedunless it's "absolutely necessary."

But under certain conditions, you may be able to travel to a secondary residence like a cottage.

The province's rules say if you plan on going, it either has to be for less than 24 hours and for a necessary purpose such as emergency repairs or preparing your property for sale or you must stay there for 14 days or longer.

Whatproducts can I buy at the store?

The province is limiting big box stores and other retailers to groceries, pet care supplies, cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health-care itemsand personal care items.

You can buy non-essential products for curbside pickup by appointmentor delivery.

Liquor stores, garden centres, safety supply stores,auto dealershipsanda select fewother businessescan open for in-person shopping by appointment.

Should I cancel my massage, chiropractor or physio appointment?

No. Registered massage therapists and services provided by other regulated health professionals in the province are considered health-care services, so those are still allowed to continue under the stay-at-home order.

Personal care services like nail and hair salons are closed, however.