The Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Ottawa Senators will be limited to 1,000 people in the arena at home games after the Ontario government announced new rules to combat the current COVID-19 surge on Thursday.

Starting Friday, indoor event venues can have only 1,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is less.

Previously, indoor event venues were limited to 50 per cent capacity, regardless of size. All concessions also were closed in a previous announcement.

The decision on event venues came on the same day Ontario announced schools wouldn't resume in-person classes until next Wednesday, two days later than scheduled. Ontario also announced a change to its isolation rules, with fully vaccinated people now required to isolate for only five days (down from 10) if their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours and all public health and safety measures are followed.

The NHL also lowered its isolation period to five days earlier this week, but said it only applies if local public health authorities permit it.