Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/June 10, 1:35 pm
On Friday, June 12, the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) region will enter into Stage 2 of the Province’s gradual approach to reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social gatherings of groups up to 10 individuals will be permitted, as long as physical distancing is maintained. Religious services will also be permitted, with capacity limits to allow for physical distancing. Moving into Stage 2 will provide more businesses and services with the opportunity to reopen, as long as appropriate health and safety measures are in place to protect employees and patrons. These include:
- Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments
- Select personal and personal care services (tattoo parlours, beauty/hair salons)
- Shopping malls – under existing restrictions
- Tour and guide services (including tasting/tours for wineries and breweries)
- Outdoor splash pads, wading pools, swimming pools
- Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks and private campgrounds
- Outdoor-only recreational facilities/training for outdoor sports (with physical distancing)
- Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and art
- Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing
- Weddings and funerals, with limits on gatherings to 10 people
“As additional services and facilities reopen in our region, it is incredibly important that residents and visitors continue to follow precautions to keep us all healthy and safe,” says Dr. Alexa Caturay, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “As more people are out and about, the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 are to stay home if ill, keep at least 2 metres away from others, wear a face covering when this is not possible, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your face.”
Local businesses are advised to ensure they have comprehensive plans in place to protect both staff and patrons prior to reopening. Resources to support businesses in the planning process are available at hpePublicHealth.ca/Healthy-Workplaces. Recognizing that the availability of Stage 2 services may draw visitors from out of area, HPEPH is encouraging anyone visiting the area to be thoughtful about their time in our community, not to travel if they are ill, and to connect with HPEPH at hpePublicHealth.ca for important public health information, including infection prevention and control guidance.
Visit the HPEPH website for current information and answers to many questions about COVID-19. Individuals who still have questions after reviewing web content may call the COVID-19 information line at 613-966-5500 / 1-800-267-2803.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Media Contacts:
Veronica Montgomery, Foundational Standards Manager
vmontgomery@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
