| News Release
July 31, 2020 Measures to Further Protect the Health of Ontarians as the Province Continues to Re-open Under Stage 3TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, has amended orders O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 and O. Reg. 263/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 2, under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020,implementing additional measures for restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments, as the province carefully and gradually reopens. “Protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians has always been our top priority,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “These additional measures will help reduce close contact between individuals in these settings, and support case and contact tracing, thereby limiting the spread of COVID-19.” In order to keep patrons of restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments safe, the amended orders will implement the following measures:
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health experts continue to closely monitor the evolving situation to advise when public health measures or restrictions can be further loosened or if they need to be tightened. It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice as more businesses and services reopen in Stage 3. This includes practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so, staying home when ill, and washing your hands frequently and thoroughly. |
Tag Archives: Westport
Playground in Lockwood park is OPEN!
The playground was closed by Provincial COVID Order in March and has been allowed to open as part of the Reopening of Ontario Phase 3.
Playgrounds will be disinfected twice daily. Parents are encouraged to bring along some wipes and hand sanitizer. Physical distancing of 2 m and wearing face masks is strongly recommended while using the playground equipment.
Ontario government’s approach to reopening schools for the 2020/21 year
I have spoken to many anxious mom and dads, and grands the past few weeks. who have lots of questions about their family members returning to school in September. The government has put out the attached page that should answer a lot of your questions. I have copied the first few paragraphs for you as it covers one of the most frequently asked question of whether you are compelled to have your children return to school.
If you have concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to call me and together we can find the right people to answer them.
Robin – 613-273-9195
INTRODUCTION
The health, safety and well-being of students and staff is a top priority as the government plans to reopen schools for the 2020-21 school year.
Clearly, the government would like to have students back in class this September learning through conventional delivery with school every weekday, with class sizes that reflect current regulations, with regular social interaction and extra-curricular activities.
In planning for the resumption of instruction in the fall, it is critical to balance the risk of direct infection and transmission of COVID-19 in children with the impact of school closures on their physical and mental health. Current evidence and experience support the concept that children can return to school in a carefully structured manner that protects children’s health and minimizes risks from a public health perspective.
The government will be requesting guidance from public health or public health units by early August in order to confirm the type of delivery appropriate for the beginning of the school year.
We have asked school boards to be prepared with their plan for the upcoming school year by August 4, should it be needed.
Relationships between schools and local public health units will be crucial to navigate the complex and evolving COVID-19 environment, planning and reopening schools, and addressing other child health issues that emerge.
Specific guidance to support the development of health and safety protocols in the school and student transportation settings is attached in appendices of this document.
Voluntary school attendance
The return to school in the fall of 2020-21 will be voluntary and based on parent choice. For parents who choose not to send their child back to school, school boards should be prepared to offer remote education. This requirement will be in place for as long as public health circumstances require adapted delivery of education.
Here is the link with additional information:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/approach-reopening-schools-2020-2021-school-year
Update from Paula Stewart MD, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health – Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
As you may be aware, Ottawa has had a significant rise in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 the past week. Dr Paula Stewart regularly updates the Mayors in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. In today’s email, Dr Stewart references the Ottawa concerns and with her permission, I share part of her email.
“We are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ottawa where there has been a resurgence in the number of people with COVID-19 since July 18. This is a major concern for our region as many Leeds, Grenville and Lanark people visit Ottawa for shopping or recreation, health visits, and for connecting with family and friends. While all ages have been affected, the biggest group is the 20 to 39 year olds. Many are linked to large indoor social gatherings or parties, showing how quickly COVID-19 infection can spread among people with close contact.”
We must all continue to practice the public health regimen – frequent hand washing, physical distancing, wearing a face covering and staying home if you are not feeling well – that you have heard many times since March 15. Ottawa this week and Kingston a few weeks ago are geographically close to us – places that many of us visit for speciality items, doctors and other necessities. Please be careful and avoid community transmission of COVID-19.
Update – Bedford St construction project
I want to provide you with an update on the tendering for the Bedford St reconstruction. The tenders were opened on July 8th. On the advice of our legal counsel, Council decided not to award the contract for Bedford St. The project is grant eligible until 2026 and will be re-tendered. The work will not be proceeding in 2020.
Council is aware that some of you will be glad that the construction is put off to another year. Others were hoping to get the job done this summer. I cannot provide any further details on the “why” that you might be asking. I can assure you that when faced with challenges, your Council asks itself – “What is in the best interests of the Village”? Our decision not to award the contract reflects the response to this question.
We work for you and trust that you will understand the confidentiality required when we took this decision.
Robin, The Mayor 
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