Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Impacts on Municipal Services
The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 in order to ensure we work to keep our community members safe. The following update provided on October 2nd, 2020 is in addition to the updates provided from previous weeks located here.
Arena Updates: The Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre will be opening on Monday October 5 to the Penetang Minor Hockey Association, Penetanguishene Skating Club, North Simcoe Girls Hockey Association, Penetang Junior ‘C’ Kings and for municipally organized recreation programs. Anyone registered with these programs should review the facility protocols before visiting and contact their respective organization to learn about additional return to play procedures being implemented by their respective groups. The protocols are available here
Indoor and Outdoor Gathering Update: The limit on the number of people allowed to attend unmonitored private social gatherings across the province remains at:
- 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
- 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. These are not accumulative and gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.
A minimum fine of $10,000 is now in effect for those who are found guilty of the new offence of hosting or organizing a gathering at a residence that exceeds the limits under an order.
New Ontario Public Health Measures: Ontario is tightening public health measures provincewide in response to the recent rise in #COVID19 cases. These measures will ensure the continued health and safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks.
On September 26th, it was announced that restaurants, bars & other food & drink establishments must prohibit the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., consumption of alcohol from 12 a.m. to 9 a.m. & must close by midnight. For more details please refer here.
Updated School Screening Protocol: In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is updating its COVID-19 school and childcare screening guidance.
The first set of questions asks about symptoms such as fever or cough. Students and children with any of these symptoms will still be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a health care provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
The second set of questions asks about other symptoms that are commonly associated with other illnesses, such as a runny nose or headache:
- Students and children with only one of these symptoms will be advised to stay home for 24 hours, after which they can return to school or child care if their symptoms are improving.
- Students and children with two or more of these symptoms will be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a health care provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
The online screening tool is available here.
FIRE AND OPP REMINDERS
OPP Reporting Tool: We remind residents that OPP ask that you report allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act by phoning 1-888-310-1122 or utilizing the online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting.
Fire Safety: Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4:00 pm to midnight. Please ensure you follow all guidelines outlined here.