Chatham-Kent is staying in the Orange-Restrict Zone after the province announced three public health units would be moving to new levels in its COVID-19 Response Framework.
On Friday morning CK Public Health confirmed 19 new cases and an active total of 61 cases. Half of the active cases are in Chatham, and 25 per cent are concentrated in Wallaceburg with the remainder spread throughout the municipality.
Chatham-Kent was previously trending toward the Yellow Zone, however, its medical officer of health, Dr. David Colby, said recent gatherings have caused the municipality’s positive cases to skyrocket over the past week.
“As we near completion of Phase One and prepare to roll out Phase Two of our vaccine distribution plan next month, we urge everyone to continue following all public health measures and advice to help prevent further transmission and protect our health system capacity,” stated Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott in a release issued on Friday afternoon.
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Chatham-Kent’s neighbouring county, Sarnia-Lambton, will be moving to the Grey-Lockdown Zone after it reported increasing cases throughout the month. On Friday, its Public Health Unit reported 159 active cases and sits with 10 active outbreaks.
Windsor-Essex will remain in the Red Control Zone as it reports 39 new cases on Friday with 692 active cases.
Middlesex-London and Southwestern Public Health region (Elgin-St. Thomas – Oxford) remain in the Orange Zone.
Under the orange zone all personal gatherings must have no more than 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. Restaurants, gyms (with expectation to exercise classes), cinemas, casinos, and event spaces can hold up to 50 people.
