Chatham-Kent returns to Red Control level

By Mark Ribble

CHATHAM-KENT — After a few weeks in the Orange: Restrict level of Ontario’s Reopening Framework, the province moved Chatham-Kent back to the Red: Control level beginning this past Monday.

Eight of Ontario’s Health Regions changed colours on Monday, with Windsor-Essex staying the same in the Red level.

Walpole Island has also announced that they have gone into Black Lockdown after outbreaks there this past week.

Ontario is dealing with a possible third wave of COVID-19 as the variants of concern continue to race through the population, especially in the Toronto area.

“With the significant and increasing risk of COVID-19 variants, the next few weeks will be critical in our fight against COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of our frontline health care workers we continue to accelerate our vaccine rollout, but until all Ontarians can receive the vaccine we must not let our guard down and continue following public health advice. This remains our best defence.”

There is some good news on two fronts — vaccines and new Red level restaurant protocols.

The province also announced late last week that they will use the pharmacy pilot project that began a week ago as the model to vaccinate anyone over 60 who would like to attend their local pharmacy and received the AstraZeneca vaccine.

That rollout began Monday across the province.

In the restaurant and bar industry, the province adjusted their regulations to allow bars and restaurants to have indoor dining for up to 50 per cent capacity of their restaurant, but not to exceed 50 people, regardless.

This is welcome news to an already struggling hospitality sector, and allows restaurants to get a boost prior to spring patio season.

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