Red Zone Restrictions Say We Should Avoid Travelling In Ontario Starting This Weekend

One thing Doug Ford forgot to mention in his press conference today is that Torontonians are now being advised not to travel to Muskoka. Or the Bruce Peninsula. Or Prince Edward County.

According to the province's newly developed red zone or "control" level guidelines, travelling from a red zone to an area of low transmission is not allowed.

The guidelines don't define what "areas of low transmission" are, but presumably include yellow zones, like Simcoe-Muskoka, and those not zoned at all, like Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

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Non-essential travel from areas of high transmision to areas of low transmission should be avoided. COVID-19 Response Framework

There have been no new enforcement protocols announced — yet — so if you do travel, it doesn't sound like you'll be stopped by police or anything.

But the travel restrictions are an indication of how serious the situation is and are a hint that the still mostly undefined grey or lockdown zone could include more serious travel barriers.

At Friday's press conference, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. David Williams, fielded questions about the grey zone, and would only say going to grey "would not be a light decision at all."

There is no advice yet against travelling from a low-transmission area to a higher one.