In order to align with the Provincial government’s lifting of capacity limits in settings where proof of vaccination is required, the Middlesex-London Health Unit has amended the Section 22 Class Order pertaining to food and drink establishments. Effective immediately, the amended Order removes the physical distancing requirements of at least two metres or by impermeable barrier such as plexiglass for eating and drinking at designated tables. Requirements remaining in effect under the amended Order are that food and drink are only to be consumed in designated areas and any patron who attends such an establishment must wear a mask or face covering at all times, except when they are consuming food or beverages while in a designated, stationary area.
“In addition to the proof of vaccination requirement, masking continues to play an important role in reducing COVID-19 transmission in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “As COVID-19 cases continue to be associated with activities such as dancing at bars and nightclubs, wearing a mask at all times is the best way to limit transmission amidst increased capacity at these establishments.”
The amended Order issued under the Health Protection and Promotion Act will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday October 27th and will pertain to any establishment that serves food and/or drink pursuant to a licence issued by the Municipality and/or Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, including nightclubs and restobars where dance facilities are provided.
Failure to comply with the amended Section 22 Order for Food and Drink establishments can result in a fine of $750.00 for individuals and $1,000.00 for a business or organization. The Health Unit’s Section 22 Order for organized public events and social gatherings remains in effect.
For more information about this amended Order, please visit www.healthunit.com/section-22-orders-and-instructions. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus.
Media Contact:
Beth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0564 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Associate Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit