New measure aims to curb record infection rates

Due to rising COVID-19 case counts, the Ontario Provincial Government has instigated a province-wide lockdown.

The new restrictions, which will take place effective 12.01 a.m Eastern Time on December 26, are being introduced to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which; in recent weeks has resulted in a surge in COVID-19 cases that threaten to overwhelm the provincial healthcare system if drastic restrictions on social activity are not introduced.

The lockdown is technically divided into two regions, Northern and Southern Ontario.

Southern Ontario districts are expected to remain in lockdown until at least January 23, while at present the lockdown is set to expire for Northern Ontario districts on January 9.

Much like the restrictions that were in place during the Spring, all non-essential businesses will have to close again, while essential businesses, including those in the transportation sector such as automotive service repair facilities and collision shop, as well as the manufacturing and distribution businesses that support them will be allowed to remain open, with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.

The news of a province-wide lockdown comes on the heels of record rising COVID-19 case counts with 2,123 new daily cases reported on December 21, following a week of more than 2000 new daily cases.

More details about the lockdown and the restrictions resulting from it are available here https://files.ontario.ca/moh-provincewide-shutdown-en-2020-12-21.pdf