The local health unit is responding to the recent rise in daily cases of COVID-19 across Ontario.
On Saturday, the province officially began limiting social gatherings and organized public events to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
“As we are seeing a provincial increase of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is in support of the reduction in gathering numbers,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico said in a press release.
The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities where protocols and guidelines are in place – like bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events.
Ontario also announced new enforcement rules, which authorize a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to temporarily close any premises where they may have reasonable grounds to believe the event or gathering is in violation of the limits.
Dr. Chirico says although we are not seeing a large increase in cases in our district, we have had two individuals test positive for COVID-19 within the past week, and he points out that we do not want to see that number increase.
“As students return to school and people return to work, we need to remember to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when distancing is a challenge and in all public indoor places including public transit,” Chirico explained. “Students are reminded that they are not to gather in large groups before and after school or at lunch.”
The Health Unit is also reminding the public to be vigilant of COVID-19 and to work together to help keep the number of individuals who test positive low in the district.
The public is encouraged to continue to practice public health measures – including physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing or sanitizing hands often and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve.
More information is on the health unit’s website.