As Public Health Sudbury & Districts enters the Red-Control level of the provincial COVID-19 response framework today, the health unit is putting in place additional measures that it hopes will slow the spread of the virus.
In keeping with the need for enhanced measures to safeguard health, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued two formal Letters of Instruction under Ontario Regulation 263/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 2, under the Reopening of Ontario Act, to all food premises and sports and recreation facilities.
These instructions come into effect on Wednesday, March 10, at 12:01 a.m., and include the following measures, in addition to all measures already in place under the Red-Control framework.
Food premises
The Letter of Instruction will apply to all persons responsible for food premises with indoor and/or outdoor dining areas open to the public within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area.
In addition to the Red-Control requirements, Public Health is now requiring that all patrons seated at the same table in a dining area of a food premise be from the same household, with some exemptions for patrons who live alone or are caregivers.
Businesses will also require patrons to verbally attest to this and to provide additional information to food premises owners and operators to support effective contact tracing by Public Health in the event of a potential COVID-19 exposure.
Sports and recreation centres
The Letter of Instruction will apply to all persons responsible for sports and recreation fitness facilities open to the public within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area.
In addition to the Red-Control requirements, Public Health is now requiring that additional measures be implemented to prohibit in-person team sports from being played or practised, as well as prohibiting activities (outside team sports) that result in individuals coming within three metres of one another.
Greater Sudbury has already moved to meet the requirements of this guideline, closing pools, arenas and gyms while the city is in Red-Control.
The instructions are being issued and enforced under the Reopening Ontario Act and failure to comply is an offence under the Act.
“These measures are being put into place as we see an alarming surge in local cases of COVID-19, including the variants of concern,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts, in a press release.
“Public Health is committed to doing all we can, which at this time, also means requiring additional protective measures. As we continue to monitor the health of our community, we will take the necessary actions to keep everyone safe.
“Where possible, schools remain open for in-person learning and we are working hard to protect this for our kids. While Public Health continues to work tirelessly to protect the community, I am asking all community members to take their responsibilities seriously as well. Everyone is asked to strictly follow the public health guidance and help put the brakes on COVID-19.”
Further details about the provincial response framework can be found at COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open (Government of Ontario).
