Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Moves to Red Level of Provincial Framework, Effective Monday

11 December 2020
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Moves to Red Level of Provincial Framework, Effective Monday

Action is being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable people

View the original news release here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59603/ontario-moving-regions-to-new-levels-with-stronger-public-health-measures

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local medical officers of health, and other health experts, is moving seven public health regions to new levels with stronger public health measures, including Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

These steps are being taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep schools open in the regions where in-class learning is permitted, safeguard health system capacity, and protect the province's most vulnerable populations. The regional levels and specific public health measures are set out in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.

Based on the latest data, the following public health regions will move from their current level in the framework to the following levels effective Monday, December 14, 2020 at 12:01 a.m.:

  • 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 COVID Alert mobile app.
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