The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is following the province's lead in urging some public establishments to close.
Dr. David Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued a series of updated coronavirus guidelines Monday afternoon. Williams has asked municipalities to close all in-house dining for bars nightclubs and restaurants, along with theatres, private schools, daycare centres, and places of worship. Williams also suggested against groups of 50 people or more.
Bars and restaurants are encouraged to remain open, however, but only for take-out orders, deliveries, and mobile orders.
In a media release, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, medical officer of health for the WECHU, announced he would adopt those new guidelines effective midnight Monday night.
"As part of our continued response to COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, risk mitigation is critical," said Ahmed. "With St. Patrick's Day celebrations being planned for tomorrow, I am in full support of these recommendations."
Ahmed added that the guidelines also apply to Royal Canadian Legion halls across Windsor-Essex and that any business that fails to comply may result in provincial orders being imposed under Section 22 of the Ontario Health Promotion and Protection Act.
"This is a difficult decision, however, it is in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of the people of Windsor-Essex," said Ahmed. "Failure to comply will result in the issuance of a temporary order to close the business."
As of Monday evening, there were still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex. A total of 62 people have been tested, but all are negative or pending results.