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, Haldimand-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.