Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 1, 2022

Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has rescinded a Letter of Instruction and two Class Orders as the province enters the next phase of reopening.

The Letter of Instruction pursuant to Section 2.1 of Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step is rescinded as of March 1, 2022. The Letter of Instruction was issued October 4, 2021 requiring proof of vaccination for volunteers, coaches and officials participating or associated with indoor organized sports.

The Class Order issued on November 12, 2021, pursuant to Section 22 (5.0.1) of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990 is rescinded as of March 1, 2022. This Class Order pertained to self-isolation requirements for everyone residing or present in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

The Class Order issued on December 10, pursuant to Section 22 (5.0.1) of the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990 is rescinded as of March 1, 2022. The Class Order instructed employers in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to take steps to prevent COVID-19.

While we continue to see positive trends locally and provincially, this is not the time to let your guard down or become complacent:

• Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should assume they are positive and isolate immediately. Visit www.ontario.ca/exposed if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or you are a high-risk contact.
• Get vaccinated and get a booster as soon as you are eligible. Information about vaccine opportunities is available at hpepublichealth.ca/vaccine-booking.
• While Ontario continues to reopen, please continue to follow public health guidance.
• Provincial guidance and resources to help businesses and organizations operate more safely during COVID-19 are available at Ontario.ca/covidsafety, COVID-19 response framework page and the Information for businesses and organizations about vaccine certificates webpage.

“We have come so far, and as we provide increasing immunity to our community through immunization, we must all continue to follow public health measures. Please get your booster dose when eligible to keep our community safe,” said Dr. Toumishey.