Barrie moves to Yellow COVID-19 level of restriction

(Barrie, ON) As declared by the Province, and on the advice of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the City of Barrie has moved to aYellow-Protect level, effective today—November 7 at 12:01 a.m.

On November 3, theprovince announced a new colour-coded system for COVID-19 restrictions. Areas with the lowest levels of virus case counts, positivity rates and community transmission are in a green category, with the most permissive rules. Barrie was previously in a green category, but is now being moved to yellow, based on the region's weekly cases, per cent positivity rate of tests, the speed at which the virus is spreading, and the capacity of local hospital and ICU systems.

What does this mean for residents? The following limitation framework is in place as part of the Yellow-Protect level in Barrie:

Gatherings are still limited to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors, but the Health Unit strongly advises that people only have close contact with their direct household at this time.Workplace screening must take place.Face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces, at workplaces, and recommended in places when physical distancing is not possible.

Restrict non-essential travel and think carefully about how often you go out and what outings are essential.Monitor for symptoms and stay home if you are sick. If you have COVID-19 symptoms,get tested.Local restaurants and bars must follow these additional restrictions:must close at midnightliquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.require contact information for all seated patronslimit of six people seated together and limit volume of musicBarrie Recreation/Community Centres, as well as local sports teams, must now implement these additional restrictions:face coverings required except when exercisingspace between patrons should be 3m for areas of a sport or recreational facility where there are weights/weight machines and exercise/fitness classesteam sports and pool activities will maintain 3 metres distancing while not playing sportsthere will be a maximum of 25 players on the ice, and a maximum of 18 people allowed in the pool at one timeprograms are limited to 10 people per room indoors and 25 people outdoorsrequire contact information for all patrons and attendance for team sportsrequire appointments for entry, one reservation for teams

See the province'sCOVID-19 Response Framework for a full list of measures. Visit theHealth Unit's website for detailed and up-to-date information and steps you should take to stay safe during the pandemic.  

Additional Resources:Service Barrie: 705-726-4242Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: 705-721-7520 orsimcoemuskokahealth.org/Ontario 211: Community and Social Services: call 211 or visitcommunityconnection.caBarrie Police Service Non-Emergency Line: 705-725-7025Canadian Mental Health Association:cmha.caKids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 orkidshelpphone.caBarrie and Area Healthcare options:barriehealth.ca/

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