News

The Ontario government has implemented additional public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new measures include, but are not limited to, additional restrictions on retail businesses, outdoor amenities, non-essential construction and public gatherings.

The provincially-issued stay-at-home order and state of emergency have also been extended for an additional two weeks.

The new measures are in response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario, as well as modelling that projects case numbers that could quickly overwhelm the province’s health care system.

New measures include, but are not limited to:

• Prohibiting all outdoor social gatherings and organized public events, except for with members of the same household or one other person from outside that household who lives alone or a caregiver for any member of the household;
• Closing all non-essential workplaces in the construction sector;
• Reducing capacity limits to 25 per cent in all retail settings where in-store shopping is permitted. This includes supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers’ markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies; and,
• Closing all outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses, basketball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds with limited exceptions.

“It is incredibly important that individuals continue to follow public health regulations and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rise in case numbers is concerning, and we must remain vigilant to protect our community and reduce strain on the local healthcare system,” said Haldimand-Norfolk Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai.

Dr. Nesathurai reiterated the need for people to stay home and only go out for essential purposes.

Full details about the province’s announcement, including a list of essential services, is available on the Government of Ontario website. Ontario businesses who have questions about new regulations are encouraged to contact the Province’s toll-free COVID-19 Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

For more information on the local response to COVID-19, visit HNHU.org/COVID-19.