Due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases locally, provincially and nationally, as well as the Omicron variant, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has announced new enhanced COVID-19 safety measures.
In a press release Wednesday the health unit announced more stringent measures to keep schools, businesses and the community safe.
As of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, December 17, indoor private gatherings are limited to 10 people including residents of the dwelling and guests, hosts of private gatherings must maintain a contact tracing list of guests and must provide it to the health unit within 12 hours of a request for contact tracing.
Hosts of indoor private gatherings must also be prepared to provide the health unit with other information within 12 hours of a request for the purposes of contact tracing though it is not specified in the press release what further information would involve.
For businesses, masking is mandated inside except when drinking or eating, patrons must remain seated while drinking or eating, contact information must be collected by the business to be provided to the health unit within 12 hours of a request and screening, physical distancing and PPE use must be in effect.
The letter of instruction from the health unit will remain in effect until further notice and anyone found in violation may be liable for a fine of up to $100,000.
To read the full press release from HPE Public Health click here.
