THUNDER BAY – The medical officer of health at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit anticipates the city will move to the Orange-Restrict level of the province’s COVID-19 response framework.
Dr. Janet DeMille said the official decision is expected on Friday to be made by the provincial government.
The move will have some impact on businesses, particularly restaurants, where no more than four people may be seated together. Establishments must be closed at 10 p.m., as opposed to midnight under the Yellow-Protect level, and liquor sales must stop at 9 p.m., two hours earlier than the current level permits.
Many of the rules and regulations also apply to meeting and event spaces, with the additional requirement to screen all patrons.
Spectators are not permitted at sporting events, with the exception of parent and guardian supervision of children and screening of all patrons is required at all facilities.
The move also affects retail operations, where screening of patrons will be required and two meters of space must be maintained while standing in line.
When it comes to personal care, screening of all patrons will be required and services requiring the removal of face coverings will be prohibited.
At present there are eight districts in Ontario in the Orange-Restrict zone.
Thunder Bay has been hard hit by COVID-19 in recent weeks, with 108 active cases, most related to an outbreak at the Southbridge Roseview nursing home, where more than 60 staff and patients have tested positive.
