New COVID-19 restrictions in Hamilton and Halton now in effect

Hamilton and Halton are now classified under the COVID-19 red “control” level.

This comes as Premier Doug Ford lowered the thresholds for his colour-coded system of public health restrictions after heavy criticism that they were too high.

York Region, Peel and Toronto are also in the red zone.

RED ZONE-The Ford Gov’t (and Halton’s MOH) says: only leave your home for essentials: groceries, school, work, medical..but Burlington’s mayor Marianne Meed Ward says to still SUPPORT LOCAL… and do activities good for your health as long as you’re following protocol. @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/SB1c7im89Q

— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) November 16, 2020

Red is the most restrictive level under the province’s new risk assessment system short of a full lockdown.

The red level rules include:

• gathering limits for organized public events and social gatherings — 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors
• bars and restaurants are open for indoor dining — capacity is limited to 10 people indoors, physical distancing required between tables
• bars and restaurants must close at 10 p.m., must stop serving alcohol at 9 p.m.
• bars and restaurants must do contract tracing and screen for people eating in
• gyms are open, limited to 10 people inside
• movie theatres are closed

Brant and Niagara are in the orange “restrict” level.

The orange level rules include:

• social gatherings limited to 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors
• organized public events limited to 50 people indoors, 100 people outdoors
• bars and restaurants are open for indoor dining — capacity limited to 50 people, limit of four people seated together, physical distancing required between tables
• bars and restaurants must close at 10 p.m., must stop serving alcohol at 9 p.m.
• gyms are open, limited to 50 people inside

MORE: Hamilton and Halton moving into red zone for at least 28 days