As of Monday, York Region and Windsor-Essex will both be moved to the grey lockdown level in Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework, meaning maximum measures will take effect to respond to outbreaks.
“These steps are being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep schools open in the regions where in-class learning is permitted, safeguard health system capacity, and protect the province’s most vulnerable populations,” a press release from the province states.
Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, noted that public health indicators in the York and Windsor regions have continued to trend in the wrong direction over the past week, and additional measures can help ensure that hospitals provide patients with the care they need when they need it (e.g., scheduled surgeries).
Measures will include:
- No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except for members of the same household (people who live alone may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household)
- A limit of 10 people outdoors for organized public events and social gatherings
- Prohibiting indoor and outdoor service for restaurants and bars (although takeout, drive-through and delivery are allowed)
- Retail stores switching to curbside pickup only
- Businesses (e.g., gyms and personal care services) must close entirely
“Moving a region into grey-lockdown is not an easy decision, but it is one we needed to make in order to help stop the spread of the virus and safeguard the key services we rely on,” Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said in the release. “As we enter the holiday season and as the province prepares to receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, it remains crucial for all Ontarians to continue adhering to public health advice and workplace safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and keep each other safe.”
The restrictions will take effect on Dec. 14 at 12:01 a.m. and will be in place for a minimum of 28 days.
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