Media Release: SWPH Region Moving in to Orange-Restrict Tier of COVID-19 Framework
The Province of Ontario has again moved Southwestern Public Health into a new tier of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework for COVID-19.
Based on its current case count and incidence rate of 28.4 cases per 100,000 population, the entire Southwestern Public Health region will be moved to the Orange-Restrict tier at 12:01am on Monday November 23, 2020. This decision was based on an increase of cases, more evidence of community transmission, more tests coming back as positive, and an increase in outbreaks. It is expected this stage will remain in effect for at least 28 days, unless local risks increase and further restrictions are required.
“Our local cases continue to rise, which puts our community at-risk. We need to modify our behaviours immediately to keep our community healthy and thriving for the long-term,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health. “Our goal is to reduce the incidence of COVID-19 so we can move back down to the Yellow-Protect tier, and eventually regain the control of this virus that we experienced in Green-Prevent.”
On November 6, the Province of Ontario introduced the Framework to categorize public health regions into five levels: Green-Prevent, Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control, and Lockdown as an urgent measure. On November 13, Ontario moved Southwestern Public Health and 7 other health units into the Yellow-Protect tier based on local data.
The Orange-Restrict tier has the same restrictions in place as the Yellow-Protect tier, with additional new restrictions for select businesses, including:
- Bars, restaurants, food premises, meeting and event spaces
- Sports and recreational fitness activities
- Retail
- Personal care services
- Cinemas, performing arts facilities, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
“The business community has been hit hard by COVID-19. Please consider how your actions can help keep businesses open while still avoiding the significant illness in our more vulnerable residents that is associated with this virus,” says Dr. Lock.
Ontario evaluates each health unit’s data weekly. The Province works with health units to move them in and out of tiers based on these factors to lessen the risk of transmission in each region.
See the Ontario.ca website for a full list of all Orange-Restrict restrictions.
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contacts
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1259 | 1-800-922-0096