COVID-19 Municipal Impacts: May 7, 2021
The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 to ensure we work to keep our community members safe. The following update provided on May 7th, 2021 is in addition to the updates provided in previous weeks.
The Town of Penetanguishene Municipal Offices remain CLOSED during the stay-at-home order. Services remain available by appointment if necessary, online or by phone. Residents are encouraged to use online options for service where applicable.
Vaccine Information: Due to a stable and reliable increase in vaccine supply, the province has announced accelerated vaccine rollout timelines. Please visit the SMDHU website for more information.
Eligibility groups starting week of May 10
- Those turning 40 or older in 2021
- At risk health conditions
- Cannot work from home Group 2
Eligibility groups starting week of May 17
- Those turning 30 or older in 2021
Eligibility groups starting week of May 24
- Anyone turning 18 or older during 2021
Canadian Red Cross: The Canadian Red Cross is offering free Transportation to Covid-19 vaccination clinics. This service is primarily for older adults aged 65+, however we recognize that other vulnerable groups may be experiencing barriers to transportation, so we have opened this service to any adult who is eligible for the vaccination.
The Canadian Red Cross also offers the Friendly Phone Call Program. The Friendly Calls Program is a phone check-in service for adults who may be experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Calls are made on a regular basis by volunteers who provide supportive listening, social interaction, and emotional support to the client. There is no charge for this program.
For more information on these programs, or to get registered, please call our office at 705-721-3313.
Parks Reminder: Please ensure to follow the Provincial restrictions on open and closed park amenities displayed below. The Provincial guideline states that parks may be open for the purposes of permitting persons to walk or otherwise move through the park or recreational area. We ask that you please obey this guideline and refrain from group gatherings/picnics at park locations.
Previous Up-dates:
Outdoor Amenities Closed Until Further Notice:
- All outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, including:
- Baseball diamonds;
- Soccer fields;
- Tennis, bocce and pickleball courts;
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Basketball courts; and
- Skate parks.
- All picnic sites and picnic tables in park and recreation areas.
Outdoor Amenities Open During Provincial Order:
- Off-leash dog park;
- Park benches; and
- Playgrounds
- Please note park benches and playground equipment are not sanitized. Users are expected to practice social distancing and wear a mask while on play equipment if social distancing is not possible.
Boat Launch and Wharf Services:
- Recreational boating is not permitted.
Boats belonging to seasonal boaters must remain secured at their harbour slips unless they are travelling to another property owned by them; Regulations continue to be reviewed and any changes will be made accordingly. Updates will be provided if changes are made by the Province.
Additional Municipal Impacts by Department: A departmental chart that outlines the contact information and changes to each department is available here.
Contacting the Town of Penetanguishene: Residents are reminded that although the municipal offices are closed, staff will continue to work with residents to complete tasks over the phone, through dropbox services, and by email and regular mail. Staff can be contacted by phone or email during regular working hours, Town Hall Staff: 8:30 am 4:30 pm Public Works Administrative Staff 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please note all offices are closed from 12:00pm-1:00pm for staff lunches. Our website outlines each department and provides contact information for the appropriate staff member you may need.
Reminder: During the stay at home order the Town of Penetanguishene has suspended the need to purchase Dog Tags and Fire Permits to limit in-person contact and non-essential appointments. In addition, penalty on the 2nd interim tax installment due on April 30, will be waived for 1 week after the stay-at-home order is lifted.
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. The fire rating is currently set at Moderate. Please ensure you follow all guidelines outlined here.
The Town of Penetanguishene's Municipal Emergency Team will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.
For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.