Southern Ontario will go into lockdown from Dec. 26 to at least Jan. 23, 2021
On Monday Premier Doug Ford announced that all of Ontario will be going into lockdown on Boxing Day.
For southern Ontario, this will see all 27 public health units beginning lockdown on 12:01 a.m. Dec. 26, and going until at least Jan. 23, 2021.
The lockdown comes as a means for the province to “preserve capacity in its health-care system,” CBC reports.
In Guelph, all indoor rinks, sports and recreation facilities will be closed, while parks, playgrounds and trails will remain open.
According to Guelph Today, grocery stores and pharmacies will only permit patrons up to 50 per cent of store capacity. Big box stores and liquor stores will only permit 25 per cent of their capacity. Goods from malls, garden centres, and hardware stores will be available primarily by curbside pickup or delivery. Restaurants will offer takeout and delivery, but no indoor dining.
From Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, all of the University of Guelph’s buildings will be closed to the public for winter break, with the exception of certain commercial businesses such as UC Pharmacy and UC Chiropractic Care, and residences for students who have made arrangements. However, due to the upcoming lockdown these closures may be extended.
In a news release, the U of G announced that it has created a new page on its COVID-19 website called “University of Guelph Measures During COVID-19 Provincewide Shutdown,” and encouraged staff and students to check it regularly for updates on accessing buildings and services.
According to CBC, the government has advised that all Ontarians stay home “to the fullest extent possible,” and that no indoor public events or social gatherings will be allowed with those outside one’s household.