News Release: Gathering Restrictions Expanded to all of Ontario

NORTH BAY, ON – In response to the provincial daily positive cases of COVID-19 reaching over 400 late last week, the Premier has announced a provincial reduction in gatherings. Effective September 19, 2020, social gatherings and organized public events have been limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities where protocols and guidelines are in place, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres, banquet halls, gyms, places of worship, recreational sporting or performing art events.

“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,” says Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health.

The province has also announced new enforcement rules, which authorize a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to temporarily close any premises where the officer or constable has reasonable grounds to believe that the event or gathering is in violation of the limits.

“Although we are not seeing a large increase in COVID-19 cases in our district, we have had two (2) individuals test positive for COVID-19 within the past week, and we do not want to see this number continue to 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. Students are reminded that they are not to gather in large groups before and after school or at lunch,” explains Dr. Chirico.

The public is reminded to not become unconcerned with COVID-19 and to work together to help keep the number of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 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.

For more information on COVID-19 please visit www.myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca