WELLINGTON COUNTY – Municipalities in northern Wellington have closed some facilities and modified use of others as this region transitions into a more restrictive level of provincial pandemic protocols.
On Dec. 11, the province announced it is moving the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) region into the red (control) level of its COVID-19 alert system, effective Dec. 14.
The latest changes to the province’s framework come as new modelling suggests the province could reach 5,000 daily cases – and the country 12,000 daily cases – by early January, if current containment measures are maintained.
“As we enter the holiday season and as the province prepares to receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, it remains crucial for all Ontarians to continue adhering to public health advice and workplace safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and keep each other safe,” stated deputy premier and health minister Christine Elliott in a press release.
WDGPH’s move to the red level was recommended by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer in recent meetings with provincial health officials.
The change lasts for a minimum of 28 days, meaning the earliest the region could move back to the orange (restrict) level is Jan. 11.
On Monday, Mapleton Township announced it will close all township-owned community centres from Dec. 25 until at least Jan. 8, while the PMD arena is open under restrictive new measures.
The Town of Minto announced it will close the Norgan Theatre, which has been open mainly for private rentals, while recreational facilities will remain open for permitted uses under the red restrictions. Facilities will close on Dec. 25 but may re-open as early as Jan. 8.
The Township of Wellington North had not added any new restrictions beyond provincially mandated measures as of press deadline.
