Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini says he is pleased after learning that the province decided to move Niagara from the current Grey zone to Red on Monday, lifting restrictions on a slew of businesses previously held back from opening.
"I am pleased with the much anticipated move to the red-control level," said Ugulini in a comment to Thoroldnews.com.
"This will be a very helpful and positive step forward for our small businesses who have been severely impacted by COVID-19 imposed regulations."
Ugulini was one of 11 Niagara mayors that signed a letter to the province this week, in support of a move to the less restricted Red level of the provincial rainbow framework to open up the severely maimed Ontario economy.
WIth the announcement, establishments like hair salons and gyms are allowed to reopen, but under strict capacity limitations as well as with the threat looming of an 'emergency brake' on the lifting, should cases rise back up.
Terry Ugulini said while positive, the announcement underlines the importance of staying vigilant.
"That being said, it is extremely important to follow the Public Health safety measures."
Based on the latest data, the following public health regions will move from their current level in the Framework to the following levels effective Monday, March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
Grey-Lockdown
- Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit; and
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Red-Control
- Niagara Region Public Health.
Orange-Restrict
- Chatham-Kent Public Health;
- Middlesex-London Health Unit; and
- Southwestern Public Health.
Yellow-Protect
- Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit; and
- Huron Perth Public Health.
Green-Prevent
- Grey Bruce Health Unit.
