County health unit recommends bars and restaurants close or switch to take-out/delivery only
Also recommends private schools, daycares, churches and theatres close
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is strongly recommending dine-in restaurants and bars close or stop in-person delivery to limit potential spread of COVID-19.
The recommendation echoes Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, who has urged restaurants to close or switch to a take out, delivery or drive-through services. He has also recommended limiting gatherings to under 50.
“I recognize that these are difficult measures for our local businesses, but these are difficult times and avoiding close interactions with others helps reduce the spread of illness. We need to work together to slow the spread and impact of this disease,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health (SMDHU). “We are asking people to practice social distancing, which means staying at least two metres distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing – that’s difficult to do in restaurants and bars, social places where people are physically in close proximity.”
While municipalities like @cityofbarrie don’t have authority to force closures of bars, restaurants, daycares, I strongly support these statements by Ontario Public Health officials. Now’s not the time to gather. Urging everyone, residents and businesses, to follow their advice. https://t.co/T0xLPRkk37
— Jeff Lehman (@Mayor_Jeff) March 16, 2020
Dr. Gardner also supports Dr. Williams’ recommendations that all private schools and daycares close, along with churches, other places of worship, theatres, concert venues, and nightclubs.
For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.smdhu.org.