Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent out of lockdown

REGIONAL — Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are among 27 public health regions to re-enter the COVID-19 Response Framework as of Tuesday morning at 12:01 am.

While Toronto, Peel, York and North Bay-Parry Sound remain in shutdown, Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent are among 11 regions going to the Red: Control Level. A dozen more regions moved to orange, yellow or green zones.

“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our number one priority. While we are cautiously and gradually transitioning some regions out of shutdown, with the risk of new variants, this is not a reopening or a return to normal,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Until vaccines are widely available, it remains critical that all individuals and families continue to adhere to public health measures and stay home as much as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”

Trips outside of the home should only be for essential reasons, such as work, school, groceries, pharmacy, healthcare, assisting vulnerable individuals or exercise.

Indoor private gatherings are still not recommended, however they have a cap of five people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

Both local regions’ numbers have been lower as of late, but the incidence rate of infection is still relatively high, which kept both areas in the Red Control category for now.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex, expects the new colour designations to remain in effect for at least two weeks, until new data at that time shows significant improvement.

Travel within regions of Ontario is not recommended, as it will greatly increase the potential for spikes in community spread. COVID variants are now popping up in Ontario, including cases in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

Since we were last in the Red Stage, the province has strengthened restrictions in some areas.

Retail sectors will see a 75 per cent capacity limit in supermarkets and other stores that primarily sell groceries, as well as pharmacies and convenience stores. A 50 per cent capacity limit will affect all other retail, including hardware, big box and liquor stores.

Restaurants may open for indoor dining, with a strict capacity limit of 10 patrons inside. There is to be no more than four people at a table.

Religious services, including weddings and funerals, will be limited to 30 per cent of capacity indoors. Salons may now open with strict protocols in place.

For more information, visit ontario.ca. You can also visit wechu.org or ckphu.com for local data regarding the virus and any vaccine updates.