Echoing the message of his provincial counterpart, London's medical officer of health is strongly recommending that all bars, dine-in restaurants, nightclubs, and theatres close as soon as possible.
Dr. Chris Mackie, the MOE and CEO of the Middlesex-London Health Unit said those establishments are urged to remain closed for at least the next two weeks, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
However, businesses that provide takeout or delivery services are encouraged to maintain those options to ensure the public is able to access food. Social interactions should remain limited, the health unit added.
Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, made the same recommendation earlier on Monday.
“Our community is at a critical phase in its response to COVID-19, when any steps that reduce social contact have the potential to help stem the spread of the virus,” said Mackie in a news release. “Many of these facilities and businesses are among the locations where there is the highest risk for one infected person to spread the illness to dozens, or even hundreds of others.”
Businesses that fail to comply with the recommendation from the Middlesex-London Health Unit, will be issued orders under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Joe Kools, Toboggan Brewing, Fellini Koolini's, the Runt Club, The Ceeps, Barney's, the Barking Frog, and Molly Blooms have all said they will not open for St. Patrick's Day.
London Mayor Ed Holder and Deputy Mayor Jesse Helmer issued a joint statement to reinforce the health unit's call for city residents to adapt to the changing landscape due to COVID-19. The city officials implored Londoners to refrain from all St. Patrick's Day gatherings.
"Choosing to gather together to celebrate presents considerable risk," Holder and Helmer said in a news release. "It presents a risk to everyone who is attending. It presents a risk to your friends. And it presents a risk to your families, many of whom may be far more susceptible than those of you who make the decision to gather. For the young and for the old in our community, for those whose immune systems may be compromised and for those who may have underlying health risks, we are saying very bluntly – don’t do it."
The city officials added that residents should keep health care workers in mind, as they are being challenged to provide care during these challenging times.
"With additional efforts to assess and respond to a rapidly changing COVID-19 risk, it is not only irresponsible to create additional demand and divert resources, but it increases the risk to these people who are providing critical care for our community during these times," Holder and Helmer said.