The following is a release from KFLA Public Health
Today at 4:45 p.m. the government of Ontario announced that the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) region will move from the Yellow–Protect level to the Orange–Restrict level of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open COVID-19 Response Framework. The sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in KFL&A over the past two weeks means that the region meets the criteria for the orange–restrict level, with a weekly incidence rate between 25 and 39.9 cases per 100,000.
The move to the orange–restrict level means that intermediate public health measures will come into effect in the KFL&A region on Monday, December 21, at 12:01 a.m. The additional measures include limited hours of operations for certain settings, limits on the hours for sale at food and drink establishments, limits on the number of individuals permitted in certain settings and required screening of patrons to establishments.
“We are facing a critical time in the fight against this virus with the move to orange-restrict coming during the holiday season,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “We are relying on the residents, businesses, services, and workplaces in KFL&A to follow these new regulations to limit the spread of COVID-19 in their settings. It is in our hands to protect our communities, and to prevent further restrictions at levels beyond orange.”
There are some new and specific measures that come with the provincial orange-restrict level. All measures are listed in Government of Ontario amended O. Reg. 364/20 Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020. Owners and operators of businesses and organizations are strongly encouraged to carefully review the regulation and determine which sections apply to their sector.
“It is crucial that we continue to support each other, work together, and stay vigilant—staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others especially those individuals at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (e.g., older adults and other vulnerable populations),” added Dr. Moore.
With the change to orange-restrict level in KFL&A, it is even more important that we consider how to make the holiday season and celebrations safe, everyone must take steps to protect yourself and loved ones from getting and spreading COVID-19.
- Limit in-person social interactions to people within your household
- Gather and host events virtually as it is the safest way to visit or celebrate occasions with people outside your household
- Stay home if you have symptoms of illness
- Limit travelling outside of KFL&A region to only essential travel
- Continue to practice good hand hygiene
For more information on safe celebrations or to learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus.