Health Minister Christine Elliott announced on Friday Grey Bruce will be moving to the yellow (protect) zone of Ontario’s Covid-19 Response Framework, effective Monday, Nov. 23.
According to the framework, among the epidemiological indicators that defines the yellow zone are a weekly incidence (case) rate per 100,000 of between 10 and 24.9, test positivity rate from 0.5 to 1.2 per cent and a level of community tranmission that is stable or increasing.
There are some added regulations for restaurants and bars, gyms and recreation centres, event centres, retailers, movie theatres and other indoor entertainment facilities like bingo halls and art centres in the yellow zone.
Notably, food and drink establishments must close between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., while alcohol cannot be sold after 11 p.m. Gyms and recreation centres are required to increase spacing between exercise equipment and weight areas to three metres. Fitness or exercise classes are capped at 10 people per room indoors and 25 outdoors.
The province’s entire Covid Response Framework can be viewed here.
Minister Elliott made the announcement after Premier Doug Ford unveiled new lockdowns for Toronto and Peel Region starting next week.
Similar to the spring, non-essential businesses are being ordered closed in Ontario’s capital and neighbouring Peel. That will force retailers in those two regions — except for supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, discount and big box retailers selling groceries, beer, wine and liquor stores, safety supply stores, and convenience stores — to only remain open for curbside pick-up or delivery.
The lockdown for Toronto and Peel also includes the closure of indoor sports and recreation facilities, casinos, bingo halls, barbers and salons, among other businesses. Schools and daycares are staying open.
Gathering limits even stricter than the spring are coming to the two Covid hotspots — not permitting any private indoor social gatherings except with members of the same household. A release from the Ontario government notes there is an exception for individuals who live alone, including seniors, who “may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other person.”
Outdoor gatherings in Toronto in Peel will be limited to 10 people.