The Middlesex-London Health Unit has reviewed existing local orders and other guidance in the context of the Government of Ontario’s new COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. With the area served by the Health Unit now at the Yellow/Protect level of the new Framework, the guidance from four Section 22 Class Orders and one Instruction are adequately addressed, and are no longer necessary.

The Health Unit is maintaining the Section 22 Class Order issued by the Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for the sport, recreation and fitness sector for a further four-week period, at which point this Order will be reviewed.

“The new provincial framework addresses many of our local challenges,” says Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “The restrictions we are keeping in place are highly aligned with the provincial framework.”

The provincial requirements for a region at the Yellow/Protect level provide substantial safety measures in many sectors, including restaurants and food premises, and personal care service establishments. Given these strengthened measures, the Health Unit is rescinding other Section 22 Orders and the Instruction issued on July 18th under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which related to the use of masks or face coverings in enclosed public spaces.

The decision to rescind the Section 22 Orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, November 21st, lifting the following:

• The Section 22 Order for transit and hired vehicles, issued July 20th
• The Section 22 Order for personal care service establishments, issued July 20th
• The Section 22 Order for the food and drink sector issued on October 24th
• The Section 22 Order for personal care service establishments, issued October 29th
• The Instruction related to masking in all enclosed public spaces

It is important to note that while the Section 22 Orders are being rescinded, operators of local businesses will still have to comply with the guidelines and restrictions outlined in Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework.

For more information, please visit: www.healthunit.com/covid-19-response-framework.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Milne, Communications Supervisor, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-617-0564

Spokesperson:
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit