Capacity rules in red zones revisited, giving some reprieve to restaurants, bars

Restaurants and bars in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark regions are seeing some reprieve as the area moves into the red zone, thanks to a revision from the Ontario government.

As of Saturday, March 20 at 12:01 a.m., dining capacities at these establishments will now have a maximum increase of 50 or 50 per cent, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit confirmed the news in a release on Friday.

The region will move fully into the red zone as of Monday, March 22 at 12:01 a.m.

“Moving from Yellow–Protect to Red-Control is an alert for us to ensure we are adhering to all public health precautions — be COVID-SMART at home and at work,” Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, said. “The increase in new infections over the past two to three weeks shows how quickly COVID-19 can spread. Each of us has a part to play to decrease the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our communities.”

Under the new revisions, however, it still means restaurants and bars still must close by 10 p.m.

These changes also apply to areas in the grey and orange zones, as well as other red zones like Ottawa.

The red zone Section 22 Order remains in effect for Perth and Smiths Falls, though the order has been rescinded for Carleton Place, Beckwith and Mississippi Mills as of Friday.

For more information on what the red zone means for the region, visit the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.