It seems like the recent spike in local COVID-19 cases could lead to further restrictions being put in place in our area by the province.
Speaking on 800 CJBQ’s Lorne Brooker Show Friday morning, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith says after speaking to Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, it seems Hastings-Prince Edward is on the brink of moving to the next phase of the province’s COVID-19 response framework.
“I think there’s a real good possibility that we’ll be into the yellow zone which is alarming for us becasue we’ve been in that green zone, basically since the start of summer. However, the positivity rate is up and I think there’s a good chance we’ll be moving into that yellow zone in Hastings and Prince Edward.”
Smith says while that is a somewhat alarming change, there won’t be any complete lockdowns, and impacts on residents and businesses won’t be significantly different from current “green zone” rules.
“We’ll have increased enforcement, increased education and then increased awareness that will be happening in our region. I’m sure Dr. Oglaza and potentially the Health Table and Minister of Health will have more to say on that either today, or in the coming days, that our area probably will be moving from that green zone to yellow soon.”
The new rules aren’t far off from the current “green zone” restrictions, but do put stricter limits on the number of people who can be seated together at a restaurant, or during fitness or other recreation classes.
A full outline of the “yellow zone” rules and restrictions can be found by clicking here.
