Timiskaming Health Unit brings back capacity, other restrictions as COVID-19 cases spike
Restrictions lifted as part of the province's Stage 3 reopening plan are being brought back by the Timiskaming Health Unit.
There are currently 61 active cases in the area covered by the health unit, behind the 283 in Algoma and 258 in Sudbury, communities that have also re-imposed restrictions to stem the rising number of cases.
The Timiskaming Health Unit said in a news release Tuesday it is taking three actions, including updating the Section 22 Class Order, which legally requires anyone in the Timiskaming Health Unit area who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, or who is identified as a close contact to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction.
"While the vast majority of people follow isolation requirements, people who do not comply with this Section 22 Class Order may be liable for a set fine of $880 or otherwise of up to $5,000 per day or part of each day that the offence continues," the health unit said.
As well, the provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements that were lifted on Sept. 25 are being reinstated and masking requirements both indoors and outdoors are being strengthened.
"Masking is required at businesses, organizations, and organized public events (indoors or outdoors) if physical distancing of at least two metres cannot be maintained," the health unit said.
"In general, businesses and organizations must put capacity limits in place so that patrons can maintain physical distancing of at least two metres."
And finally, anyone aged 12 years and older must provide proof of identification and vaccination if they are entering an indoor facility to participate, coach, officiate, volunteer, or spectate at an organized sport.
Participants aged 12-18 were previously exempt but must show proof of vaccination beginning Nov. 26.
"Currently we are seeing a high level of COVID-19 spread through every part of our district," Dr. Glenn Corneil, acting medical officer of health, said in the release.
"Given our high cases, it’s unfortunately necessary to put additional public health measures in place. Everyone should consider limiting their contacts to reduce the chances of further increases of COVID-19 in our communities. Our health care resources are currently stretched. THU has called upon provincial contact tracers to assist with calling contacts."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.