TORONTO—Tougher COVID-19 restrictions are taking effect today in five Ontario regions in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
The provincial government announced last week it would move Windsor-Essex into the red alert level of its tiered framework, the strictest level short of a lockdown.
In that level, indoor dining at restaurants and bars is capped at 10 customers, while social gatherings must have fewer than five people indoors and 25 outdoors.
Meanwhile, Halidimand-Norfolk is shifting to the orange level, and three other regions—Hastings Prince Edward, Lambton and Northwestern—are going into the yellow level.
The province says the regions will stay in their new categories for at least 28 days, or two COVID-19 incubation periods, before a change is considered.
Officials say they continue to monitor public health data weekly to see if any other regions require additional intervention.
