Kingston, Ont., limits indoor private gatherings to 10 people as COVID-19 cases rise
Indoor social gatherings in the Kingston area are being limited to 10 people as the city sees a spike in new COVID-19 cases.
Medical officer of health Dr. Piotr Oglaza has issued a Section 22 class order, implementing indoor social gathering restrictions in private dwellings within Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington.
"COVID-19 cases in the KFL&A region are rising and we know that nearly half of our cases are acquired in the household setting," Dr. Oglaza said in a statement.
"Reducing indoor gathering limits in private dwellings is prudent and necessary to prevent illness and the spread of COVID-19."
Effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m., indoor gatherings are capped at 10 people, including the residents of the home.
Anyone hosting social gatherings in a private home must maintain a list of names and contact information for guests, and provide it to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health within 24 hours of the request.
Speaking with reporters Friday afternoon, Dr. Oglaza said new measures are needed to curb the spread of COVID in the community.
"We are in the middle of the fourth wave, we have to alter our behaviour," said Dr. Oglaza.
Across Ontario, social gathering limits are 25 people for indoor private dwellings.
Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health reported 32 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, 36 cases on Thursday, 40 new cases on Wednesday and 35 cases on Tuesday.
The region's top doctor says the new measures will be in place as long as needed, aiming to curb pre-holiday parties over the next few weeks.
Dr. Oglaza is hopeful they can be removed by Christmas Day in one month.
"We can still work together to make that happen. If we see cases doing down, we still have a chance."
The indoor gathering limit at private residences of 10 people is the second health measure introduced this week in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Kingston area.
On Wednesday, Dr. Oglaza announced that as of Dec. 6, everyone ages 12 to 17 who attends an indoor area of a sports facility for participating in an organized sport must provide proof of receiving one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. All participants must be fully vaccinated by Feb. 25.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.