As the number of COVID-19 cases in the area continues to climb, London and Middlesex County are moving back into red.
The province announced on Monday that the area covered by the Middlesex London Health Unit will move to the Red-Control level of the COVID-19 Response Framework as of Tuesday, March 30. According to the province, the move was made at the request of Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie. It says the local case rate climbed by almost 87 per cent between March 22 and March 28 and now stands at 64.4 cases per 100,000 population.
"When the province was making the decision last week we had none of this data available. At the time they decided, we had rates that were still continuing on at the high orange level," Mackie explained during Monday's media briefing.
"Based on the current situation in the Middlesex-London area, it was decided that stronger public health measures were urgently needed to help ensure the continued health and safety of people in the region," said Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams. "As we continue to see some alarming trends in health indicators across the province all Ontarians are urged to remain vigilant and follow all public health and workplace safety measures to minimize further transmission."
Dr. Mackie said the number of rising cases in the region is related to indoor social gatherings without the use of masks. He added that action needs to be taken now to avoid another lockdown.
"No level of restriction will control the spread of COVID if people aren't complying with it and keeping their distance, avoiding indoor gatherings, wearing masks, etc," Mackie said.
Tighter restrictions under the red level include:
-Limits for all organized public events and social gatherings: 5 people indoors 25 people outdoors -Restaurant and bars will be limited to either 50 people or 50 per cent capacity in the dining area, whichever is the lower figure. Dancing, singing, and live music performances prohibited -Gyms and fitness centres limited to 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines, ten people in all indoor classes or 25 people in outdoor classes. No team sports except for training (no games or scrimmages) -All movie theatres and performing arts facilities would have to close, except drive-in cinemas
Restrictions on things like weddings, funerals, and church services will remain as they were under the Orange-Restrict level. The same restrictions will also remain on bars and restaurants (no alcohol sales after 9 p.m. and they must close by 10 p.m.). Tattoo parlours, salons, and spas will still be prohibited from performing services that require the removal of masks.
The full list of restrictions under the Red-Control level can be found here.
