Mayor Steve Ferguson is calling on residents to respect the stay-at-home order issued by the Government of Ontario on April 7.
“The provincial government and the local Medical Officer of Health have taken steps to discourage travel between regions by closing short-term accommodations and limiting all non-essential retailers to curbside pickup or delivery,” Mayor Ferguson says. “Now we must do our part locally to limit the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, only going out for essentials like groceries, prescriptions, and health-care services, and following the social gathering rules.”
A provincewide state of emergency and stay-at-home order is in effect as of Thursday, April 8 at 12:01 am. People responsible for businesses and organizations must ensure their employees conduct their work remotely with the limited exception where the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.
Under the provincial order, indoor organized public events and social gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household. Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Outdoor organized public events and social gatherings must comply with public health advice on physical distancing and have no more than five people.
The majority of non-essential stores can only be open for curbside pick-up and delivery by appointment, and additional capacity limits may apply. Supermarkets, convenience stores, indoor farmer’s markets and other stores that primarily sell food as well as pharmacies remain open for in-person retail at 50 per cent where 2 metres physical distancing can be maintained, as well as for curbside pickup and delivery. For more information, read the full list of restrictions posted on the Government of Ontario website.
Short-term accommodations including cottages and cabins are only to be provided to individuals who are in need of housing. If you are offering your STA to someone in need or if your STA is currently owner-occupied, please contact the County’s STA department. Let them know in advance to avoid unnecessary enforcement calls by emailing stalicenses@pecounty.on.ca. If you believe a business or accommodation operator is not following the order, please call 613.476.2148 extension 2050 or email stalicenses@pecounty.on.ca.
Hotels, motels and inns remain open but may not receive bookings from guests from outside of Hastings or Prince Edward counties, unless it is to provide emergency housing, under a Section 22 Class Order issued by Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health for Hastings Prince Edward.
At seasonal campgrounds, campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are by individuals who are in need of housing or are permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract.
Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public and may only be opened for preparing the seasonal campground for reopening.
Shire Hall, the Edward Building, the Picton Fire Station, recreation facilities, arenas, town halls, and museums are closed to the public. Many County services can be accessed online at www.thecounty.ca or completed over the phone or by mail. If your matter is urgent and cannot be satisfied by any other means, please call 613.476.2148 and speak to a customer service representative about booking an in-person appointment. COVID-19 screening will take place for all in-person appointments.
Garbage bag tags can be purchased at a variety of locations across the County. The municipality reminds you to call ahead and check if the store has bag tags in stock. For retailers that require additional bag tags for resale, please call 613.476.2148 extension 1023 to arrange pickup.
Prince Edward County Library branches are closed to the public. Exceptions will be made for access to the computers to conduct essential business such as reserving your COVID-19 vaccination appointment. The Library is offering curbside pickup. Learn more on the Library website.