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Cornwall moves to Orange-Restrict level

December 11, 2020
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario — Cornwall is moving to the Orange-Restrict level of the COVID-19 Response Framework.

The change comes as Ontario moves seven public health regions to new levels with stronger public health measures, including the Eastern Ontario Health Unit. These steps are being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep schools open, safeguard health system capacity, and protect the province’s most vulnerable populations.

The change is effective on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.

The Orange-Restrict level adds increased restrictions on local businesses, especially restaurants. The last call for bars and restaurants will change to 9 pm and the establishment must close at 10 pm. The maximum of people allowed at a single table is now four (4). Other restrictions include no spectators at sporting events, and personal care services are prohibited from offering services requiring the removal of face coverings. For long-term care homes, visitor restrictions apply to those homes in the public health unit regions that are in the Orange-Restrict level or higher. In addition, long-term care homes must implement recently enhanced testing requirements. More details are set out in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.

Here is list of the public health regions changing levels in the framework.

Grey-Lockdown
- Windsor-Essex County Health Unit; and
- York Region Public Health.

Red-Control
- Middlesex-London Health Unit;
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit; and
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

Orange-Restrict
- Eastern Ontario Health Unit.

Yellow-Protect
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.

All other public health regions will remain at their current level. Please visit Ontario.ca/covidresponse for the full list of public health region classifications.

Trends in public health data will continue to be reviewed weekly to determine if public health units should stay where they are or be moved into a different level. Public health units will stay in their level for a minimum of 28 days, or two COVID-19 incubation periods, at which time, the government will assess the impact of public health measures to determine if the public health unit should stay where they are or be moved to a different level. The government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to consult regularly with local medical officers of health on local context and conditions to help inform the classification of their public health unit region.

As we approach the holiday season, the government is urging all Ontarians to continue to follow all required public health measures and public health advice. This includes the following:

Stay home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild;
Maintain two metres of physical distancing from anyone outside your household;
Avoid social gatherings and limit close contacts to your household or the people you live with;
Adhere to the restrictions in your region on public and private gatherings;
Wear a face covering indoors and wear one outdoors if physical distancing may not be maintained or if wearing one is required;
Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly;
Cover your cough;
Get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if you’ve been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app;
Individuals and families from higher transmission regions should avoid travel to lower transmission regions, except for essential reasons; and
Download the COV ID Alert mobile app.

No matter where you live in the province, the safest way to spend the holidays this year is by only celebrating in person with the people you live with and celebrating virtually with everyone else. People who live alone may have exclusive close contact with one additional household to help prevent feelings of isolation and mitigate against negative mental health impacts.

The Ontario government is now providing $600 million in property tax and energy cost rebates to support eligible businesses required to close or significantly restrict services due to enhanced public health measures, doubling its initial commitment of $300 million made in the 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover. To apply for this funding please visit Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs.

Quick Facts

Find out what level and which regional public measures are in place for your area.
Learn how to celebrate the holidays safely with the people you live with by visiting Ontario.ca/celebratesafely.
Get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if you have been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert app. Visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the nearest testing location.
To find the right supports, visit COVID-19: Support for People, which has information about the many available and free mental health services and supports.
If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
To stay safe, you can download the COVID Alert App free from the Apple and Google Play app stores.

Additional Resources

Business Reopening Toolkit

Cornwall Economic Development has put together a toolkit to help businesses reopen. The toolkit includes guidelines and a maximum occupancy calculator along with signs and posters that can be downloaded and printed: