COVID 19 Resource Page
Status Updates
On January 12, 2021 the Government of Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency. As of Thursday, January 14 at 12:01 am a provincial stay at home order will be in effect, which includes the County of Prince Edward. Read the provincial news release here. The enhanced public health and workplace safety measures are anticipated to be in place until at least Thursday, February 11.
Municipal buildings, recreation facilities, town halls, museums, and library branches are not open to the public. You can access a variety of municipal services and make a variety of payments online. Learn more
Short-term Accommodations
Short-term accommodation rentals are not permitted as of 12:01 am on Thursday, January 14 as outlined in the Government of Ontario’s new enhanced COVID-19 measures.
The restrictions on short-term accommodation rentals apply regardless of when the booking took place.
Short-term accommodation rentals may be provided to individuals who are in need of emergency housing.
The enhanced measures are in effect for all of Ontario and are anticipated to be in place until at least Thursday, February 11.
The restrictions apply to whole-home and owner/tenant occupied short-term accommodations, cabins, and cottages but not hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, and student residences.
County by-law officers will enforce the new restrictions. If you believe a short-term accommodation rental is operating in contravention of the restrictions, please call 613.476.2148 extension 2050.
The Government of Ontario is not recommending intra-provincial travel and has asked people to stay home and only leave home for essential purposes, which could include emergency maintenance of a cottage or secondary residence.
Mandatory Face Covering or Mask
A face covering or mask must be worn in enclosed public spaces under County of Prince Edward By-Law 115-2020. The face covering should cover your nose, mouth and chin. A face shield may be permitted where a cloth face covering is not practical or possible.
Wearing a face covering is an additional measure we can take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe. This means that, with some exceptions, all customers or visitors entering an enclosed public space are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside. A mask or face covering is required at an outdoor market or farm stand when physical distancing is not possible.
Cases and Testing
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is the lead agency for information to Prince Edward County residents on novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Visit the HPEPH dashboard for information about the number of cases in the region. The dashboard provides the number of confirmed and probable cases. HPEPH makes every effort to update this list daily by 11 am.
The Prince Edward County COVID-19 Assessment Centre located at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street) operates Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required to ensure physical distancing and patient safety. Appointments can be made by calling 613.813.6864.
On Saturday and Sunday, messages may be left to arrange an appointment the following week. Those requiring weekend testing may call 613.961.5544 to arrange testing at the Belleville and Trenton assessment centres.
County COVID-19 Help Line
Residents can call 1.833.676.2148 from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday to speak directly with County staff, who can connect them with:
- Volunteer delivery of food and other essentials
- Information on the County Food Depot’s food box program
- Critical community services
- Transportation options
- Sources of accurate and reliable public health information about the COVID-19 virus
Prevention
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 is to:
- Stay home
- Practise physical distancing – stay 2 metres away from anyone who is not in your household
- Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often
- Wear a mask while in indoor spaces
- Create a social circle
Common symptoms include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.
As with other illnesses, you should connect with a health care provider if you experience:
- A high fever
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, contact Hastings Prince Edward Public Health at 613.966.5500 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Municipal Services
Building Department
Applications for various building-related permits can be downloaded from the County website and emailed to building@pecounty.on.ca or mailed to: County of Prince Edward Building Department, 332 Picton Main Street, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0
Dog Tags
Mail completed dog tag application forms and a cheque payable to The County of Prince Edward to: Shire Hall, 332 Picton Main Street, Picton ON, KOK 2T0.
Clerk’s Office
Services offered by the Clerk’s Office are available by appointment. Please call 613.476.2148 extension 1023 or 613.962.9108 extension 1023 or email clerks@pecounty.on.ca.
More Information and Resources
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health