SWPH Moving into Red-Control
New gathering limits set at 5 people indoors, 25 people outdoors; additional restrictions for select businesses
On February 16, the Province will move Elgin County, Oxford County and the City of St. Thomas into the Red-Control zone of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework based on local data and transmission risks.
While there is no longer a Stay-At-Home order in place, residents of the region are reminded that staying home is still the best way to protect themselves and their community from COVID-19.
“We have just overcome a significant surge in our region, with many cases that required hospitalization, intensive care. There were many deaths. I know we are all tired and we are longing for the days where we can spend quality time with our loved ones – but we are not there just yet,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health.
The current case and incidence rate in the region is 52 per 100,000 population and there are three Variants of Concern identified in cases in Ontario, which have been shown to spread more quickly than the initial COVID-19 virus. The region has also tackled recent outbreaks in multiple settings, capacity concerns in area hospitals, and capacity concerns for case and contact management by public health. This stage will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 16.
“I am thankful to the community for working together to bring our cases down. Please continue to be cautious with this gradual reopening of our region to avoid another lockdown,” says Dr. Lock. “Let’s come together to get through this pandemic so we can start the recovery process that our community needs.”
Notable new measures include:
- Trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons, such as school, work, grocery, pharmacy, health care, assisting vulnerable people, or physical activity
- Avoid all social gatherings
- Limit of 5 people indoors and 25 people outdoors for all organized events and social gatherings
- Limit of 30% room capacity for indoor and 100 people outdoor for religious services or ceremonies, including weddings and funerals
- Work remotely, where possible
- Families should not visit other households or allow visitors into their homes; people who live alone can gather with one other household
Additional restrictions apply to specific businesses. A full list of Red-Control restrictions is on the Ontario.ca website.
“Restrictions are difficult for everyone, especially for businesses. There is hope with upcoming vaccinations – please stay the course and stay healthy in the meantime,” says Dr. Lock.
Ontario evaluates each health unit’s data weekly. The Province works with health units to move them in and out of zones based on these factors and consultations with local Medical Officers of Health.
Contacts
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1259
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca