With the Omicron variant at large, Ontario is seeing another increase in COVID-19 cases — and the city of Kingston is taking action by limiting social gatherings to five people, as well as not allowing "dancing, singing or live performances of music."
While that verbiage makes it sound a bit like the town from Footloose, the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health unit is looking after the community by cracking down with a Section 22 class order amid this new wave of the ongoing pandemic.
More than 100 suspected cases of the Omicron variant were reported in the region last week. Residents are now prohibited from attending indoor or outdoor public gatherings of more than five people, effective today at 6 p.m. ET.
"Cases are increasing at a concerning rate and it is clear we must take further action to protect our community," medical officer of health Dr. Piotr Oglaza said in a press release. "We are issuing this class order and asking everyone to adhere to these social gathering limitations."
Businesses that offer food and drink must also adhere to the following rules [via CTV News]:
This development comes after Queen's University declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the student community, cancelling all in-person exams, while St. Lawrence College will be shifting all exams to alternative delivery starting tomorrow (December 14). The Limestone District School Board also announced that eight schools would pivot to online learning.
Today, Billie Eilish came forward with the news that she'd contracted the virus this summer.
While that verbiage makes it sound a bit like the town from Footloose, the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) Public Health unit is looking after the community by cracking down with a Section 22 class order amid this new wave of the ongoing pandemic.
More than 100 suspected cases of the Omicron variant were reported in the region last week. Residents are now prohibited from attending indoor or outdoor public gatherings of more than five people, effective today at 6 p.m. ET.
"Cases are increasing at a concerning rate and it is clear we must take further action to protect our community," medical officer of health Dr. Piotr Oglaza said in a press release. "We are issuing this class order and asking everyone to adhere to these social gathering limitations."
Businesses that offer food and drink must also adhere to the following rules [via CTV News]:
- Be closed to the public for indoor dining from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Pick up and take out is permitted.
- Not sell or serve alcohol except between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. No consumption of alcohol is permitted in the business or place between the hours of 10 p.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ensure all patrons are seated when served. Pick up and take out is exempt from this requirement.
- Seat no more than four (4) persons to a table.
- Not allow dancing, singing, or live performances of music. Volume of music is low enough to allow for normal conversation.
This development comes after Queen's University declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the student community, cancelling all in-person exams, while St. Lawrence College will be shifting all exams to alternative delivery starting tomorrow (December 14). The Limestone District School Board also announced that eight schools would pivot to online learning.
Today, Billie Eilish came forward with the news that she'd contracted the virus this summer.
