The Porcupine Health Unit region is staying at its current COVID-19 restriction level.
Based on the latest data, the province has announced regions that will be changing levels in the COVID-19 Response Framework. The restrictions are not changing for the Porcupine Health Unit region, which covers Timmins and area.
The province is activating its emergency brake in two areas. Starting Monday, March 1, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit will move back into lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.
All of the Northern Ontario health unit are remaining at the same level. In North Bay Parry Sound the stay-at-home order and lockdown is still in effect until at least Monday, March 8.
The Porcupine Health Unit region moved into the Orange- Restrict level of the province's framework on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
The Orange level includes intermediate measures and restrictions while avoiding closures, according to the province.
Here are some of the limitations for being in the Orange zone, according to the province:
- Events and social gatherings in private homes, back yards and parks are limited to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors
- Organized public events and social gatherings in staffed businesses and facilities are limited to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors
- Religious, wedding and funeral services are limited to 30 per cent capacity indoors and 100 people outdoors
- All open businesses must post signage at all entrances informing people how to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments are limited to 50 people indoors and four people per table. No buffet type service is allowed, a limit of four people can be seated together, and contact information is required for all people. Liquor can only be sold or served between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and the businesses must close from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Salons and personal care service businesses can open. Services that require removal of face coverings are not permitted. Steam rooms and saunas are closed.
- Sports and recreational fitness facilities limited to 10 people per class indoors, 50 people in areas with weights and machines, 25 people per class outdoors. Face coverings are required except when exercising. Ski hills can open.
- Stores (not including indoor malls) must have passive screening for patrons, such as posting signs outside about not entering if you have COVID-19 symptoms. A safety plan is also required and made available upon request.
- Bingo halls and gaming establishments can open, with a maximum of 50 people per facility, where physical distancing can be maintained.
- Cinemas can open with capacity limits.
- Visitor restrictions for long-term care homes apply once the region is in Orange or higher.
- The Service Timmins office at city hall is open again. The Archie Dillon Sportsplex pool reopens Monday, March 1.
