THUNDER BAY - Last week the province announced the Thunder Bay District will be moving into the orange or restrict classification in its COVID-19 response framework, with the new restrictions taking effect at midnight, Dec. 7.
As of Monday there are 110 active cases of COVID-19 in the Thunder Bay District, three in hospital, one individual in the intensive care unit, and there have been five deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The new restrictions under the orange classification will see limits on the size of social gatherings, hour reductions for restaurants and bars, and changes to sporting venues.
In terms of social gatherings, functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, barbeques or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, or parks should be limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
Public events and gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities should be limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, while religious ceremonies such as weddings or funerals should have 30 per cent capacity indoors and limited to 100 people outdoors.
Restaurants and bars must limit the number of people seated indoors to 50 or under and can only seat four to a table. The sale of liquor is only permitted between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and establishments must close by 10 p.m.
Spectators are no longer allowed at sporting events, with the exception of parents or guardians supervising a child. In physical fitness locations, a maximum of 50 people are permitted in areas with weights and exercise machines, while a maximum of 10 people are permitted per room indoors and 25 outdoors for exercise classes.
Personal care services requiring face coverings to be removed are prohibited, as well as oxygen bars, saunas, bathhouses, and other adult venues.
Casinos and other gaming establishments and cinemas are limited to 50 people indoors and the sale of liquor must end at 9 p.m.
Performing arts facilities are also limited to 50 people indoors, while 100 people can gather at outdoor venues.
All businesses, including restaurants, gaming establishments, health and fitness facilities, cinemas, and performing arts facilities are also required to screen all patrons and customers as well as collect contact information for contact tracing purposes.
People are reminded to wear a face covering when in public spaces and to continue to follow all public health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.
More information on restrictions can be found at the Ontario COVID-19 Response Framework website.
