The County of Prince Edward is urging the local community to take precautions to limit the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“While Dr. Piotr Oglaza [Medical Officer of Health for Hastings and Prince Edward] continues to emphasize that our risk remains low, we all have to do our part to reduce opportunities for the spread of the virus,” says Mayor Steve Ferguson. “If you are sick or have visited an area under a travel health notice, you should limit your contact with others.”
The municipality is taking into consideration that many people in Prince Edward County depend on community services as well as tourism-related employment. While the situation is fast moving, the municipality has taken the following proactive steps:
- The municipality has cancelled all on-ice related activities at the Wellington and District Community Centre and the Prince Edward Community Centre as of 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13 following Hockey Canada’s decision to cancel the season. Refunds will be provided to impacted ice users. The municipality will begin removing the ice in both facilities because it is cost prohibitive to maintain the ice without hockey bookings.
- The municipality has cancelled all March Break activities at its recreation facilities, museums, and libraries following the Government of Ontario’s decision to close all public schools from March 14 through April 5. Refunds will be provided to parents impacted.
- The municipality will not accept any bookings for community centres or town halls in the foreseeable future. The municipality will honour existing bookings; however, check with the organizers to confirm the status of individual events as many have been cancelled already. The municipality has implemented enhanced cleaning measures in its buildings and recreation facilities to prevent community spread of the virus.
- H.J. McFarland Memorial Home, the municipality’s long-term care facility, is actively screening all staff, visitors, and volunteers given that the residents are a vulnerable population more susceptible to severe illness.
- Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending the cancellation of events with more than 250 people in attendance. Those planning tourism-related events or community activities should refer to Public Health Canada’s COVID-19 guide on risk-informed decision making for mass gatherings.
At this point, the County has not closed any municipal buildings. Council/Committee meetings will continue as planned. Residents are encouraged to participate via live stream. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms, do not enter a municipal facility and contact Customer Service for assistance (613.476.2148 or 613.962.9108 or email info@pecounty.on.ca).
THE ABOVE IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CORPORATION OF PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
