SIMCOE-MUSKOKA MOVING TO RED ZONE MONDAY: WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — As predicted, another 37 Simcoe COVID cases today puts Simcoe and Muskoka into the red zone Monday.

That means new restrictions (below) for 28 days.

The region joins York, Toronto and Peel, which head into lockdown the grey lockdown zone at the same time.

Cases in York yesterday were 205, Toronto 469 and Peel 386.

Locally the new cases bring to 339 this week the regional number in Simcoe and Muskoka.

Ontario saw 1,848 cases and 45 deaths; Quebec 1,713 and 53 deceased and Manitoba 447 with 14 dead.

The closest 3 cases to Muskoka were in Simcoe North, all aged 35 to 44.

One was a woman in Orillia under investigation as to cause. Another was a man from Ramara, also under investigation. And a female from Severn was related to an institutional outbreak.

And an earlier case in Georgian Bay was transferred to another health unit.

Under the red zone rules:

  • Social gatherings would be limited to five people indoors, 25 people outdoors.
  • Religious services (including weddings and funerals) would be limited to 30 per cent capacity indoors, with a maximum of 100 people outdoors.
  • Restaurants would be limited to 10 patrons seated for indoor dining, with a maximum of four people per table and space either two meters apart or separated by a barrier. Patrons must answer screening questions when they arrive. No dancing, singing or live performances are permitted and night clubs can only operate as restaurants or bars with last call at 9 p.m. All must close at 10 p.m.
  • Personal care services would be limited to procedures where patrons are masked for the procedure. Steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools must close.
  • Movie theatres and performing arts facilities would be forced to close unless being used for a rehearsal or performing a recorded or broadcast performance.

Once in the red zone, local businesses are also required to note more people’s contact information in case contact tracing is needed and have safety protocols that outline their plans to keep their workers and the public safe. Enhanced workplace screening is also required.

The rules require a region to remain classified as a red zone for a minimum of 28 days.

Muskoka avoided any COVID reports the past two days, but will still be included in new restrictions, says the province.

Simcoe and Muskoka have now had 339 cases this week, moving it into the province’s red zone Monday, Dec. 14.

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