Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 17, 2020 – 1:20 pm.
Today, the Province of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by making an order declaring an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In doing so, the Province of Ontario is using every power possible to continue to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families.
As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally required to close immediately:
- All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
- All public libraries;
- All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
- All licensed child care centres;
- All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
- All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and
- Concert venues.
“The closures do not apply to unlicensed daycares,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for Hastings Prince Edward Public Health. “However, public health encourages owners and operators of unlicensed daycares to close voluntarily to help protect our population. If they choose to remain open, they are advised to use adequate infection prevention and control practices such as frequent hand washing and active surveillance. Parents are asked to keep sick children at home.”
In addition, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.
“We want the community to know that while we suspect the virus is in our community, we can slow the spread locally. We are calling on everyone in our community to do their part and help keep the risk low in our community”, says Dr. Piotr Oglaza. “This means practicing regular infection control, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, working from home if possible, and staying home when you are sick.”
The HPEPH COVID-19 phone lines continue to be open seven days a week for individuals who are unable to find their answers on our COVID-19 web page. Updates will also be posted to our Facebook Page, and Twitter @hpePublicHealth.
-30-
Media Contact:
Veronica
Montgomery, Foundational Standards Manager
vmontgomery@hpeph.ca
