Durham Region and Simcoe-Muskoka will be moving into the Province’s Red-Control category of COVID-19 restrictions as of Tuesday (Feb. 16), with Kawartha Lakes moving into Orange-Restrict.

York Region is one of four areas to remain in the Grey-Lockdown category.

“The health and safety of Ontarians remains our number one priority. While we are cautiously and gradually transitioning some regions out of shutdown, with the risk of new variants this is not a reopening or a return to normal,” said Minister of Health Christine Elliott.

“Until vaccines are widely available, It remains critical that all individuals and families continue to adhere to public health measures and stay home as much as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”

Recognizing the risk posed by new variants to pandemic response, the provincial government is introducing an “emergency brake” to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to immediately advise moving a region into Grey-Lockdown to interrupt transmission.

Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community.

“While the trends in public health indicators are heading in the right direction, we still have work to do,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.

“Everyone is strongly advised to continue staying at home, avoid social gatherings, only travel between regions for essential purposes, and limit close contacts to your household or those you live with.”

For more information on the provincial framework, click HERE.