PHSD to Move Into Grey-Lockdown Restrictions

The Ontario government's activating the "emergency brake", tightening restrictions for Public Health Sudbury and Districts.

Starting tomorrow, the health unit region - which includes Chapleau - will move into "Grey-Lockdown", the highest category of the province's tiered restrictions framework, banning indoor organized public events and social gatherings - except for members of the same household, though those who live alone can have exclusive close contact with one household - while outdoor events are limited to ten people.

It also limits religious services or ceremonies - including weddings and funerals - to ten people - indoors or outdoors - while indoor and outdoor service at restaurants and bars will be prohibited, though takeout, drive through, and delivery will be allowed.

Indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities must also close - something already effectively ordered by the health unit - while retail stores are limited 25 percent capacity, or 50 percent for grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

This comes just days after the region was moved into the "Red-Control" level of restrictions.

The health unit reported thirteen new cases yesterday - all in Greater Sudbury - with ten more screening positive for "variants of concern" - the health unit's reported 841 cases since the pandemic began, 107 screening positive for such a variant.

It currently has 211 "active" COVID-19 cases.