Hamilton to move into Grey-Lockdown Monday

The Ford government announced late Friday afternoon that Hamilton will move into the Grey-Lockdown level effective Monday, December 21, 2020 at 12:01 a.m, joining Toronto, Peel and York in lockdown in an effort to curb the sharp increase in COVID-19 infections.

In a news release, the province says “the number of cases and hospitalizations are trending upwards and further action is required to help stop the spread of the virus. The case rate increased by 25.8 per cent, to 103.3 cases per 100,000 people and the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the region have more than doubled in the last two weeks. In addition, the positivity rate is well above the high alert threshold and is at 4.2 per cent.”

Grey is the highest level of control.  It means:

• Retail is generally permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only
• Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, other retailers selling groceries, beer and wine and liquor stores, pharmacies, safety supply stores and pet supply stores are permitted to be open for in-person shopping
• No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household.
• People who live alone can have close contact with one other household.
• Outdoor gathering are limited to ten people, socially distant.
• Limits of 10 people for religious services, weddings, and funerals
• No indoor or outdoor service at bars and restaurants — only takeout, drive-thru and delivery permitted
• Sports and recreation facilities are closed
• Outdoor rinks, ski hills and trails can stay open with restrictions

Niagara Region will move into Red Control, as will Brant County.  Halton Region remains unchanged, also in Red.

But the premier also says further restrictions will be discussed during emergency meetings over the weekend, with a further announcement expected on Monday