The Town of Kingsville has decided to postpone a few of its Festival of Lights events in light of new COVID-19 guidelines from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Paws and Claus, which was scheduled for Tuesday, is delayed until further notice, along with Saturday's Crafts and Pictures with Santa. A new date for those events has not been set and will be contingent on the easing of the latest measures to lower COVID-19 case counts.
On Sunday, the health unit issued a new letter of instruction mandating all indoor social gatherings be limited to just ten people.
Outdoor social gatherings are also limited to 25, but the town is going ahead with outdoor activities associated with its Festival of Lights, including its Kingsville Express Train. There will be measures to avoid groups, and riders will need to wear a face mask. The Kingsville Express Train is a ride around Lakeside Park to see the light displays.
Fill A Fire Truck, an event that collects toys for the Leamington Area Toys for Tots Drive will also go ahead. It is planned for Saturday, December 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the pandemic, donors are asked not to donate stuffed animals.
The health unit issued the letter of instruction after daily COVID-19 case counts started rising. On Monday, Acting Medical Officer of Health Doctor Shanker Nesathurai said the current case rate is 123 for every 100,000 residents. The health unit reported 187 new cases over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
