Bars, restaurants and strip clubs in Windsor-Essex can resume regular hours.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit confirmed the region will follow the provinces updated COVID-19 guidelines released Nov. 3. Liquor sales have only been allowed between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. since Sept. 25 to help prevent outbreaks in social settings.
With Essex County under the medium risk or "prevent" status currently, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed says bars and restaurants can now stay open and serve alcohol until 2 a.m. effective immediately.
"Do not misunderstand these loosening measures with low risk probability, the risk continues to be medium for our community and that can change very quickly," he added. "It is very important for these businesses to make sure that they are taking all the appropriate precautions to keep their patrons safe and their employees safe."
COVID-19 protocols for bars and restaurants under medium restrictions set out by the province include:
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi