FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, March 16, 2020 | 5:15 p.m. | Windsor-Essex County

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit continues to work with the Ministry of Health, local health care providers, and municipal partners to monitor and coordinate the response to COVID-19 as the situation evolves in the province and the community. Protecting the health and wellbeing of the residents of Windsor and Essex County remains our top priority.

Current Provincial Guidance

This afternoon the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario announced that he is recommending the closure of all:

Bars and restaurants, nightclubs with the exception of take-out and delivery services

Private schools

Daycares

Churches and other places of worship

Theatres/Cinemas

In addition to this recommendation, Dr. Williams has amended his previous requirement of no gatherings of 250, to no more than 50 people.

Current recommendations from Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health

“As part of our continued response to COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of our community, risk mitigation is critical. With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations being planned for tomorrow I am in full support of these recommendations effective 12 am March 17h, 2020”, Dr. Wajid Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed also clarifies that this strong recommendation applies to Royal Canadian Legions across Windsor and Essex County, and warns businesses that failure to comply with the recommendations, will result in provincial orders to individual establishments under Section 22 of the 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.,” says Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health.

The WECHU encourages the public to follow credible sources for information about COVID-19. The WECHU monitors and updates our website daily. For up to date facts visit www.wechu.org/coronavirus.