Residents in Northumberland County will move into the orange zone of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework next week, along with the rest of the HKPR Health Unit area.
The health unit says that change takes effect on Tuesday with Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmill is urging residents to be cautious, even though small social gatherings will be allowed and businesses are able to reopen with restrictions.
Some of those include limited operating hours and capacities, extensive cleaning and disinfecting, the maintaining of social distancing, and screening and mask use for customers.
Dr. Gemmill says while cases may be declining, the virus is still spreading and “until more people are vaccinated, we must continue to do all we can to stop the spread”, which could lead to another shutdown.
Here is a brief outline of what changes with the move to the orange zone:
•Local restaurants/bars can reopen for in-person dining, while continuing to offer takeout, pick-up and delivery.
•Worship services, weddings and funerals can resume with limitations.
•Gyms and fitness clubs can again open their doors to members with limitations.
•In-person shopping can resume at retail stores and malls.
•Personal care services such as barbers, hairdressers, nail salons and tattoo studios can resume with restrictions. One is that services requiring the removal of face coverings cannot be offered.
•Movie theatres and performing arts centres can reopen for performances, with limits in place
You can click here to read more about Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework.
