Update: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has confirmed three new COVID-19 cases in Collingwood and one in Wasaga Beach since Friday.
The new cases in Collingwood include two women and a man between 65 and 79 years old. All three case transmission sources are still under investigation.
In Wasaga Beach, the new case is a person between 18 and 34 years old. The case transmission is under investigation.
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital reports there is one patient currently hospitalized there with COVID-19.
Premier Doug Ford announced a province-wide “shutdown” today, which is starting Dec. 26 and will last for at least 28 days.
Students attending schools in Collingwood and area will not be allowed back in class after the Christmas break. Starting January 4, all students in Ontario elementary and secondary schools will have to switch to “teacher-led remote learning.”
Secondary students in the region will continue remote learning until at least Jan. 25, but elementary students could be back in class by Jan. 11.
The province’s current colour-coded framework is being “paused” and the new shutdown includes the following restrictions:
- No indoor organized public events or social gatherings except with members of the same household. Individuals who live alone may have exclusive close contact with one other household. Gathering limit is 10 people outdoors
- No in-person shopping at most retail settings, but curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping
- No indoor or outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and food establishments can offer take out, drive-thru, and delivery only
The province’s chief medical officer of health has advised Ontarians to stay home and limit trips outside the home to necessities such as food, medication, medical appointments, or supporting vulnerable community members.
Child care centres will remain open.
All indoor and outdoor sports and recreational fitness facilities must be closed except for facilities operated for the sole use of high-performance athletes
Outdoor ice rinks and parks can remain open
Community centres and multi-purpose facilities (like the YMCA) are permitted to be open for child care, mental health and addiction support services (limited to 10 people) and social services.
Ski Hills in Ontario will be closed for the province-wide shutdown. Blue Mountain Resort opened this weekend for the first day of its 80th winter season.
Libraries will be allowed to remain open for curbside pickup only. Museums must close.
Concert venues and theatres can be open for rehearsals (no more than 10 people) but cannot offer drive-in or drive-thru events
Cannabis shops can offer curbside pickup or delivery.
Liquor and beer stores must limit occupancy and can offer curbside pickup or deliver
