SUDBURY -- With dozens of new COVID-19 cases in the region in the last couple of weeks, Greater Sudbury and areas covered by Public Health Sudbury & Districts are moving into the yellow level of the provincial COVID-19 response framework.

The measure formally takes effect Monday beginning at 12:01 a.m.

In a news release Friday, Public Health said our new status includes measures such as limited hours of operations for certain settings, reduced recreational program sizes, additional enforcements and fines, and enhanced education in high-risk settings.

“Our case counts are at an all-time high with 42 of our 204 total cases reported in the last week alone," Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health, said in a news release. "We are averaging about 12 high-risk contacts for each case so far. These numbers combined with how stretched our public health and health care systems are, mean that stronger protection measures are needed.”

It's key for residents to follow guidelines and protocols, Sutcliffe said, and keep themselves safe.

“How this surge in cases evolves and the measures and restrictions that will be necessary to control it are in our hands," she said. "Make no mistake, our everyday actions either allow the virus to spread or allow us to contain it. We can choose wisely and dig deep.”

Regardless of which provincial category we are classified in, resident must assume COVID-19 is everywhere and take necessary precautions.

"Keeping our communities safe and our health care, education, social services and economic fabric strong means counting on everyone to do the right thing," the news release said.

Measures include:

- Limiting travel outside the home to going to school or work and essential trips for groceries, medication, and medical appointments.

- Limit in-person social interactions to people within your household. Minimize interactions with people who don’t live in your house and one or two persons who are essential to maintaining physical and mental health (e.g. caregivers, social supports to someone who lives alone). This means you should avoid in-person social interactions with friends, with co-workers when not at work, and with extended family. When dining at restaurants, going to the movies, or partaking in other social activities, you should limit it to your household members.

- Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness, however mild. While it is cold season now and many of us are used to mild infections at this time of year, a mild illness could be COVID-19 and may be much more severe for someone else who might catch it from us. Complete the Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment tool or contact a local testing and assessment centre to determine if you should be tested for COIVD-19. By staying home if sick, we protect everyone else in our community.

- Wear a face covering if you need to be closer than two metres from someone outside your home during essential trips. Being in close contact with people presents the greatest risk of transmitting COVID-19, along with being in closed or crowded spaces. In Ontario, you must use a face covering in public indoor spaces and whenever physical distancing is a challenge unless there is an exemption.

- Wash or sanitize your hands often, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.

- Limit exercise and recreation to outdoor spaces where physical distancing is possible.

- Avoid travel outside of our area, especially to areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, unless for emergencies or urgent medical appointments.

In addition to these ongoing public health measures, there are some new and specific measures that come with the provincial Yellow-Protect category. 

"Owners and operators of businesses and organizations are strongly encouraged to carefully review the regulation and determine which sections apply to their sector," the health unit said.

Yellow-protect restrictions

The following general and sector specific restrictions highlight the key additional measures in moving from the Green-Prevent to Yellow-Protect category.

General restrictions:

- Gathering limits remain the same for social gatherings and organized public events: 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors for social gatherings and 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors for public events.

- Ongoing advice to restrict non-essential travel from areas of high-transmission to areas of low.

- All businesses and organizations must have a safety plan in place.

For bars, restaurants, and event spaces:

- Hours of operation are limited, and establishments must close at midnight. Some exceptions apply including takeout and drive-through or delivery service.

- Hours of liquor sale are limited from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., no consumption allowed between midnight and 9 a.m.

- Group seating are limited to a maximum of 6 people.

- Contact information is required from all seated patrons.

- Limit volume of music.

Casinos, cinemas, and performing arts facilities:

- Hours of liquor sale are limited from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., no consumption allowed between midnight and 9 a.m.

- Contact information is required from all patrons.

Sports and recreational facilities:

- People working out must increase spacing to three metres apart.

- Recreational programs are limited to 10 people per room indoors and 25 outdoors.

- Contact information is required by everyone in attendance.

- Reservations are required for entry.

Personal service settings:

- Contact information is required from all patrons.

For detailed information on the specific measures we must follow and the provincial framework, click here, For more information or if you have questions, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).