A growing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Windsor-Essex has led the province to move the region into the Red-Control level of the COVID-19 response framework.
The announcement was made Friday afternoon.
The change will come into effect Monday, November 30 at 12:01 a.m.
"As we continue in our fight against this second wave of COVID-19, the need to follow public health advice has never been greater," said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams. "All Ontarians are urged to adhere to the organized public event and social gathering limits in their region and avoid any non-essential travel in order to reduce the risk of exposure and ensure the continued safety of the community."
Earlier this week, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed indicated the region had already surpassed many thresholds on the provincial scale. The weekly incidence rate in Windsor-Essex is currently 49 per 100,000 population and about four per cent of tests are coming back positive.
While in the red level, area restaurants cannot have more than 10 people seated indoors and must close by 10 p.m. Casinos and bingo halls are also not allowed to have more than 10 people inside at one time and cinemas are required to close.
In addition, general visitors are not allowed in long-term care facilities while the region is in the red level.
Social gatherings and organized public events must be limited to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
For a full list of restrictions for regions in the red-control level, click here.
Windsor-Essex will be required to stay in at least the red level for 28 days or two COVID-19 incubation periods. At that time, the province will evaluate if public health measures are having an impact on the outcomes in the community.
The Chatham-Kent region remains in the yellow-protect level on the province's framework.