Summary
Over the past five weeks, we have seen an increase the daily rate of new COVID-19 symptoms. We need to take steps to protect Ontarians, and to help our frontline health care workers.
Today, our government announced additional public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission, and to prevent future outbreaks, including additional measures for restaurants, bars and other businesses serving food and drink. These measures also include the closure of strip clubs, and require businesses to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals who wish to enter their premises.
These measures will ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks.
Key Messages
- Over the past five weeks, Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases.
- Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, including strip clubs, with most cases in the 20-39 age group.
- To ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks of COVID-19, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and other health experts, our government is tightening public health measures in response to the recent rise in cases of COVID-19.
- The amended order will apply province-wide effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday September 26 and will:
- Apply additional measures and restrictions to restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments (including nightclubs) by prohibiting the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the premises after 12:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. (including employees), and requiring establishments to close by 12:00 a.m. and remain closed until 5:00 a.m. except for takeout or delivery;
- Close all strip clubs across the province; and
- Require businesses or organizations to comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19, including screening individuals who wish to enter their premises.
- The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise if public health measures need to be further tightened.
- It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice in order to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and protect our communities.