Whether they’re regional or Ontario-wide, the Simcoe-Muskoka region will be under new capacity restrictions for some indoor settings soon.
Simcoe-Muskoka District’s medical officer of health said he’s prepared to restrict capacity and reduce gathering limits starting Monday unless the province announces similar rules Ontario-wide.
In a news release issued this afternoon, Dr. Charles Gardner said he intends to issue the instructions within the week, which would reduce capacity at certain businesses such as at restaurants and bars, event spaces, and indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities.
The capacity reduction would be effective as of Monday, Dec. 20.
“If we are to manage omicron with any success, it will be critical that along with these additional restrictions that reduce physical interaction as much as possible in all settings, that everyone continues to comply with the existing public health measures,” said Gardner.
Though the health unit has not indicated what the new capacity limits would be, Gardner has previously said he would be considering returning the region to the capacity limits that were in place across Ontario in September.
“I have very serious concerns about what will come in the days and weeks to follow,” said Gardner during a Wednesday media briefing.
The health unit will also be “significantly” increasing the number of vaccine appointments available to accommodate third does and children’s appointments.
All non-COVID-19-related programs and services offered by the health unit will be put on hold so staff can be redeployed to support COVID-19 vaccination.
Booster vaccines are available at community clinics by appointment and can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
All other eligible individuals, including children five to 11 years, who have not yet received a first, second or third dose of vaccine are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
Existing public health measures include staying home when feeling ill and getting tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, maintaining a physical distance of at least two metres from those living outside of your household, wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, covering your cough, and washing your hands regularly.
