The province has announced it is lowering its thresholds for its COVID-19 Response Framework and moving parts of the London region to the "yellow-protect" level.
The colour-coded framework, which was released last week, is being updated to reflect the growth in the number of cases Ontario has seen in recent days. The areas covered by both the Middlesex London Health Unit and Southwestern Public Health are now in the yellow zone after having previously been in the green-prevent zone.
Some of the restrictions in the yellow zone are already in place in the London area due to a Section 22 order from the Medical Officer of Health. But as of Monday, restaurants and bars will have to cut off alcohol sales at 11 p.m. and close their doors at midnight, restrictions will be placed on the volume of the music played in bars and restaurants, fitness class sizes will be capped at 10 people if they are held indoors and at 25 people if they are outdoors, and the number of people allowed at church services, funerals, and weddings will be capped at 100 people if they are outdoors and at 30 per cent of capacity if they are indoors.
"Our number one priority right now is getting the numbers down and keeping people safe," Premier Doug Ford said in a statement released Friday afternoon. "That's why, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, we're updating the framework with new thresholds so we can slow the spread of this virus. These adjustments are necessary to respond to the latest evidence we're seeing and we are prepared to make further adjustments as the health experts continue to review the current public health restrictions. We must do whatever it takes to stop our hospitals from being overwhelmed and protect our most vulnerable."
The number of new cases of COVID-19 has been steadily climbing in the London area in recent days. Since Sunday, the Middlesex London Health Unit has reported 114 new cases. Nine new cases were reported Friday, marking the first time this week the number of new cases was in the single digits. This past Sunday saw a record 37 new cases reported.
Southwestern Public Health, which covers Elgin and Oxford counties, has also seen higher numbers of new cases lately, including a surge of new cases in Norwich Township, where 11 infections have been confirmed since November 4.
“We support the province’s decision to move our region into this stage, because it adds further protections to those already in place,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock. “Our cases have risen by more than 50 since November 1. We need to lower this number so that we don’t overwhelm our health care system, and we don’t see the illness and death associated with this virus.”
The new restrictions come into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
