COVI Updates for November 11th
British Columbia
British Columbia extends provincial state of emergency, as BC reports 525 new cases largely concentrated in the Lower Mainland.
Broad new COIV restrictions focus on social gatherings, travel, indoor group exercises and workplaces and are in effect until noon on Nov. 23. The ban includes no gatherings from people outside the household includes outdoor gatherings and gatherings in restaurants. Businesses and recreation centres that operate indoor group physical activities — like spin classes, yoga, and exercise classes — have been told to suspend those activities.
Travel in and out of the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions should be limited to essential trips only.
BC Ferries
On BC Ferries, ALL passengers must wear non-medical masks or face coverings when at terminals and on board ferries. Passengers are reminded to continue to maintain physical distance while wearing a mask. As defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, a mask must be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen) and be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping. (So a plastic face shield by itself does not fit the definitions of a “mask”). In order to qualify for a medical exemption, a valid medical certificate must be presented upon arrival.
Alberta
Alberta set three more COVID-19 records on Tuesday, with active cases surpassing the 8,000 mark and 207 people now being treated in hospitals for the illness. On Monday, Hinshaw said about 12 per cent of Alberta schools had active COVID-19 alerts or outbreaks.
77 Alberta physicians sent a letter to the Premier that the province should consider a two-week short, sharp lockdown, or “circuit-breaker,” to allow contact tracing to catch up. (Maybe Alberta will just shut schools for 2 weeks as that circuit breaker?)
Manitoba
Manitoba has seen only triple-digit days these past three weeks. More cases were announced Tuesday than were reported in the first four months of the pandemic.
Manitoba has declared a “Code Red” emergency. Measures include a restriction on travelling to and from northern Manitoba. Social gatherings banned, non-critical businesses closed across Manitoba. Retail stores considered critical may remain open at 25 per cent capacity. Starting Thursday, Manitobans are banned from socializing with people outside their own household. Gyms, churches, many retail shops to close to help stem spread of COVID-19, alleviate pressure on health care. The move includes a ban on faith-based gatherings, and masked-up gym work outs. Playing team sports or going to the salon or movies will also be out of the question. Non-essential retail shops will be closed but may do delivery and pickup. The same goes for restaurants.
This “short, sharp set of restrictions” could last up to four week
Ontario
Toronto’s mayor and top doctor announces stricter measures as new COVID-19 cases break records. 504 new daily COVID-19 cases ‘most concerning I’ve seen,’ Toronto medical officer of health warns.
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa is recommending stricter measures on top of Ontario’s “red” category restrictions that will remain in place for 28 days under Section 22 of provincial legislation. Indoor dining at restaurants and bars will remain prohibited. Meeting and event spaces will remain closed, as will casinos and bingo halls.
People should not socialize with those outside their households and for businesses to continue to have work-from-home plans. Theatres, bars, restaurants, weddings, gyms.
The measures, which will be in place for a period of 28 days
Quebec
Quebec reported more than 1,000 cases again Tuesday, along with 38 deaths. The spread of the virus is particularly concerning in certain regions, including Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Lanaudière, Mauricie-Centre-du-Québec and the Gaspé. Quebec Premier François Legault has ruled out the possibility of lifting red-zone restrictions early, with two weeks remaining in the second 28-day partial lockdown.
Inside Quebec’s Red Zone(s) no social gatherings (people outside the family unit living in your home). Long distance and inter-regional (inside Quebec) travel is also discouraged, with police checkpoints on some highways.
Maritime Bubble
Nova Scotia and other provinces are getting stricter with their 14 Self-Isolation Requirement for those entering the “bubble” form other areas, and for Maritimers returning fro travel (no matter how short) outside the ‘Bubble”.
In light of the recent cases, Premier Stephen McNeil said travellers coming into Nova Scotia from outside the Atlantic provinces would have to isolate away from family and friends, as new COVID-19 cases continue to be identified among close family contacts.
If travellers don’t have the accommodations to isolate alone, everyone in the household must also isolate. If Maritimers are taking people into their home, they are imposing a full 14-day isolation on themselves and ALL household members.
This does not affect those people who are exempt from self-isolation under the public health order, such as military, police, first responders, truckers and flight crews.
Marine Atlantic Ferries
On Marine Atlantic Ferries, ALL passengers must wear non-medical masks or face coverings when at terminals and on board ferries. Passengers are reminded to continue to maintain physical distance while wearing a mask. As defined by the Public Health Agency of Canada, a mask must be made of at least two layers of tightly woven material fabric (such as cotton or linen) and be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping. (So a plastic face shield by itself does not fit the definitions of a “mask”). In order to qualify for a medical exemption, a valid medical certificate must be presented upon arrival.