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Kingston Public Health issues new limits on social gatherings in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day

On Thursday, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health called for strict new measures to curb COVID-19 spread throughout St. Patricks Day celebrations. According to the news release, the order would be a proactive measure to protect the community and prevent an impact on hospital resources during the celebrations. 

The order will go into effect at 12:01 am on Saturday, March 13th and would be effective until March 21st at 11:59pm. The order states that no person shall host or attend an indoor or outdoor social gathering with more than 5 persons.

This Class Order effective from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 to Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. is issued to all persons in or present in the City of Kingston, along with businesses that serve alcohol in the City of Kingston.

Additionally, businesses will have to adhere to strict regulations. They must:

  • Be closed between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Only sell and serve alcohol between 12:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. No consumption of alcohol is permitted in the business between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m.
  • Require all patrons to be seated when served. Pick up and take out is exempt.
  • Require all patrons to seat only 5 persons to a table.
  • Collect contact information from persons seated.
  • Not allow dancing, singing and live performances of music. Volume of music must be low enough to allow for normal conversation.
  • Ensure line up management follows the capacity limits, 2 metres physical distancing, and masking regulations.

“Given the increasing concerns of COVID-19 variants, and the risks of potential spread of COVID-19 related to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, these measures are prudent and necessary to prevent illness and the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Kieran Moore in the news release. “I want to thank the community for their continued vigilance and support in keeping our community safe and want to emphasize the importance of continuing to adhere to public health measures.”

Failure to adhere to the class order can result in a fine of up to $5000 for individuals, and corporations can face a fine of up to $25000 for every day that the offence occurs.

More to come.

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