NWHU Region Moving to Red Level of COVID-19 Response Framework

Published on 12 March 202112 March 2021

The Government of Ontario announced that the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) area
will be moving to the Red–Control level of the COVID-19 Response Framework as of
March 15, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. There has been an increase in cases across the region
and the health unit urges residents to take immediate action to stop the spread of the
virus.

“We are one level away from Grey-Shutdown. This is the time for residents to take
public health measures seriously. Do not gather indoors with anyone that you do not
live with. Stay 2 metres from those not within your household,” says Dr. Kit Young Hoon,
Medical Officer of Health at NWHU. “If you have even one symptom of COVID-19, get
tested and stay home. Your family members must also stay home until you have your
test results back,” Dr. Kit Young Hoon continues.

The Red-Control level adds additional restrictions that affect the public, businesses, and
organizations. Some of the new restrictions include:

Indoor gathering limit of 5 people
Outdoor gathering limit of 25 people
Residents must only go out for essential reasons (work, school, essential shopping, health care, exercise)
Some businesses and facilities must actively screen customers
Restaurants must have a limit of 10 customers inside and a maximum of 4 people per table
Services requiring the removal of face coverings will not be permitted at personal service establishments
Organized recreational team sports must not be practised or played, with the exception of training sessions for team members. Training sessions are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, and must not include games/scrimmages. All training session drills/activities must allow for the physical distancing of at least 2m between individuals.

For a full list of restrictions in the Red-Control level, visit the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework website. The new restrictions do not affect the operation or requirements in schools and child care centres.

The health unit will be reaching out to local workplaces that are inspected by NWHU to
provide education and support with the additional restrictions.

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Media Contact:
Dr. Kit Young Hoon
Medical Officer of Health
Northwestern Health Unit
jbegg@nwhu.on.ca

Media Release – NWHU Region Moving to Red Level of COVID-19 Response Framework Download