We know that at some point Premier Doug Ford will be announcing a move away from the current lockdown status. Local MPP and cabinet minister Monte McNaughton tells 99-1 News it could be coming today, and when it does, we have to stay safe.
“The focus for the government is to ensure that we’re doing this in a thoughtful, measured way,” McNaughton says. “We all have to continue doing what we’ve been doing. Stay home if you can, continue following protocols like washing our hands, and wearing a mask, and physical distancing.”
McNaughton says it is imperative that we keep doing the things we are doing to knock those numbers down.
As for where Chatham-Kent will stand on the new colour-coded framework, the municipality’s top doctor is leaning towards red.
“Our numbers right now are sort of hovering between red and orange,” Dr. David Colby says. “I cannot predict the future and whenever I’ve tried to that, it hasn’t been very successful. But I’m thinking that things will be red.”
The province has revised what each colour-coded level looks like. The red framework includes limiting organized public events and social gatherings to five people indoors and 25 outdoors, reduced capacity at indoor dining establishments, limiting gyms and fitness centres to a maximum of 10 patrons, and keeping movie theatres and performing arts spaces closed.
Supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores and other grocery retailers can operate at 75 per cent capacity, while other retailers will operate at 50 per cent.