Durham Region moves to province-wide shutdown

Whitby, Ontario – Today, the Province of Ontario announced that—as of Saturday, April 3—Ontario will be imposing the “emergency brake”; and will enter into a province-wide shutdown for at least four weeks, due to concerning trends in public health indicators.

This also means the current COVID-19 response framework “Keeping Ontario Safe and Open” will be paused when this province-wide emergency brake comes into effect. 

When: Effective Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., Durham Region will move into the province-wide shutdown via the “emergency brake” measure.

What: The emergency brake is being used to stop the spread, guard against variants, and protect public health and health system capacity in Ontario. This means that enhanced measures, restrictions and enforcement will be in place to limit further transmission.

Restrictions in the provincial-side shutdown include, but are not limited to:

• Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
• A five-person maximum for outdoor social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with); may include one other person from another household who lives alone.
• Supermarkets and other stores—that primarily sell groceries, convenience stores and pharmacies—are subject to capacity limits of 50 per cent for in-store shopping.
• All other retailers—including discount and big box stores—will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive through, and delivery only.
• Capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies will be limited to 15 per cent occupancy, per room, indoors.

Note: Stay home, stay safe and save lives. Support local businesses where possible, wash your hands frequently, stay six feet apart, wear your mask and download the COVID Alert app. Remember to visit durham.ca/COVIDCases for the latest available case information in Durham Region. Together we remain #DurhamStrong.

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.