Chatham-Kent will indeed move to the Red-Control level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework, starting on Monday.
The medical officer of health in Chatham-Kent received confirmation from the province Friday afternoon. However, the province didn't release further information regarding the change until 5:30 p.m.
Dr. David Colby predicted the dire outcome on Wednesday because COVID-19 cases have been rising lately due to indoor gatherings. He said there have been more than 100 new cases in Chatham-Kent over the last month.
Chatham-Kent is down to one active COVID-19 outbreak at an unidentified place of worship but active cases are up to 91 after 21 new cases were reported by Chatham-Kent Public Health on Friday morning.
Colby reminds the public that limits for events and social gatherings are different than household get-togethers. He said no one outside of a household is allowed in for a visit.
Municipal leaders said nobody is happy about the new restrictions. Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire said it's unfortunate but the limitations must be respected.
"It's unfortunate for the restaurants owners that as a result of some private gatherings, they're going to be restricted in terms of their business operations but we don't have any choice in the matter," said Shropshire.
Mayor Darrin Canniff hopes it's just a blip and not a trend. Chatham-Kent has been in the Orange-Restrict COVID-19 level for the last few weeks.
Chatham-Kent is one of eight regions moving on the province's colour-coded system. Windsor-Essex will stay in Red, Middlesex-London will stay in Orange, and Sarnia Lambton will stay in Grey-Lockdown.
However, the provincial government has made some changes to it's framework in an effort to support Ontario's economic recovery. Starting on Saturday, dining capacity will be adjusted at restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments for regions in Grey, Red, and Orange.
Indoor dining for regions in Red-Control will be allowed for up to 50 per cent of the dining area, provided that physical distancing is followed. Total occupancy cannot exceed 50 patrons while in Red. Indoor dining for regions in Orange-Restrict will allow for 100 patrons. Tables are limited to a maximum of four and they must be members of the same household with an exemption for people who live alone.
Indoor dining will still not be allowed for regions in Grey-Lockdown but outdoor dining will be so long as physical distancing rules are adhered to. Each outdoor dining table will also be limited to members of the same household with some exemptions.
"While some regions are proceeding to levels with less restrictive measures and adjustments are being made to dining capacity, everyone must continue to adhere to all public health and workplace safety measures," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams. "We have entered the third wave of the pandemic and the rates of variants of concern continue to rise so it is important that people remain cautious and vigilant in order to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 and protect themselves and their communities."
Further details about public health measures can be found by clicking, here.
-With files from Natalia Vega.
