Ontario announces province-wide shutdown

Whitby, Ontario – The Province of Ontario has announced a province-wide shutdown beginning Saturday, December 26.

When: New restrictions go into effect on Saturday, December 26 at 12:01 a.m. and will last for 28 days before a reevaluation.

Where: Province-wide, including all eight municipalities in Durham Region.

What:  The province-wide shutdown involves widescale prevention measures and restrictions, including closures. Measures include, but are not limited to:

• Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
  • Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
• Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings - curbside pickup and delivery can continue.
• Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
• Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
• Restricting indoor access to shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases.
  • Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
• Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining.
  • Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.

These are just a few examples of the new changes that are now in place for Durham Region. For a full list of changes and for more information, visit Ontario.ca.

Note: Stay in Durham, shop local and keep your social interactions to those within your own household this holiday season.

Wash your hands frequently, stay six feet apart, wear your mask, and download the COVID Alert app.

Remember to visit durham.ca/COVIDCases for the latest available case information in Durham Region.

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.