Niagara Region is getting ready to ease some restrictions on Friday, as Ontario enters the first step of its reopening plan but the region has extra rules in place for diners.

The section 22 orders on food premises remains in place, according to Niagara Region Public Health.

That means while the Ontario government is allowing four people from any household to sit and dine together at a table, diners in Niagara must be from the same household. There are exceptions for essential caregivers.

Local restaurants, bars, wineries and breweries will also be asking screening questions and collecting contact information.

“Research continues to build that in-person dining is inherently risky given it involves close interaction over a lengthy period of time without masks. It should be emphasized that this risk is inherent in the activity, and of no fault of owners/operators,” said public health in a news release.

This section 22 order was first put in place in November 2020.

READ MORE: New rules for dining out in Niagara take effect Saturday

There is no capacity limit on outdoor patios but tables must be at least two metres apart.

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik was asked about the rule Thursday on Morning Live.

“We’re in a situation here where you can go to the parks with 10 people not in your family, you can a picnic but you can’t go to a patio with some of your friends,” he said.