Step 1 of the provincial roadmap to reopening will come into effect on Friday, June 11.
“The past two months of the province-wide shutdown have been tough on everyone. However, thanks to the many sacrifices of County residents, we have managed to lower the number of COVID-19 cases in our community and protect our health-care resources,” Mayor Steve Ferguson. “Finally, residents can start to responsibly enjoy some of the things they have missed, like having small gatherings with friends, enjoying a meal on a patio, and shopping in person at more of our great local businesses.”
Step 1 will allow more outdoor activities to resume with smaller, well-managed crowds where risk of transmission is minimized, and will permit retail, all with restrictions in place. This includes but is not limited to:
- Outdoor gatherings up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining up to 4 people per table
- Outdoor fitness classes, personal training and sports training up to 10 patrons. No games or practices permitted
- Essential retail at 25 per cent capacity and discount and big box stores can sell all goods
- Non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity and can sell all goods
- Indoor religious services, rites and ceremonies including weddings and funerals at 15% capacity of the room
- Outdoor religious services, rites and ceremonies including weddings and funerals are permitted with capacity limited to permit physical distancing of 2 metres
- Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks
- Short-term accommodation rentals
Visit the Government of Ontario website for a high-level overview of what is allowed during each step of the provincial reopening roadmap.
“During this slow and gradual reopening, we still need to remain vigilant. Continue to follow all public health measures like wearing a mask or face covering while inside public spaces, stay 2 metres apart from people outside your household, and get the COVID-19 vaccine,” Mayor Ferguson says. “Getting the jab is the best way to protect yourself and those you love from serious illness related to COVID-19.”
All individuals age 12 and over are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and appointments can be booked at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or by calling 1.833.943.3900. If there are no appointments available please check back regularly and follow Hastings Prince Edward Public Health on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for booking updates, and sign up for the HPEPH vaccine standby list. The standby list has now been expanded to accept those who are eligible and awaiting an accelerated second dose appointment.
For more information contact the County of Prince Edward at 613.476.2148 extension 1023, 613.962.9108 extension 1023, or info@pecounty.on.ca. Shire Hall and the Picton Fire Station will reopen to in-person service on Monday, June 14. The buildings will be open Monday – Friday from 9 am – 3 pm.
Branch locations of the County of Prince Edward Public Library and Archives will continue to serve the community through contactless curbside pick-up only. The province will allow libraries to reopen for indoor service in Step 2. Patrons can access the computers at library branches for emergency purposes such as booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Town halls and indoor recreation facilities such as the walking track at the Wellington and District Community Centre will remain closed during Step 1.