COVID-19 Update: Programming, public access to certain facilities suspended

As concerns about the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continue to grow, health and safety is the City of Kawartha Lakes’ number one priority, according to a press release.

“We are taking proactive steps to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 in our community.”

“In keeping with the directive from Chief Medical Officer of Health, we are suspending service at all public gathering facilities with occupancy of 250 people or more and facilities that include activities with high risk of exposure, as listed below. We are not accepting future bookings for rental facilities. We strongly discourage public gatherings of large groups of people to avoid the risk of exposure.”

Programming and public access to the facilities below will be suspended effective March 14, 2020.

Lindsay Recreation Complex
Bobcaygeon Community Centre
Victoria Park Armoury
Fenelon Falls Community Centre
Ops Community Centre
Woodville Community Centre
Little Britain Community Centre
Oakwood Community Centre
Manvers Community Centre
Emily-Omemee Community Centre
Forbert Memorial Pool
Burnt River Community Centre
Norland Recreation Centre
Fenelon Township Community Centre

All other scheduled public meetings will be held in an alternate format (teleconference or video conference) or postponed. Any additional service interruptions will be communicated to the public.

Pandemic Planning and Preparedness

Senior staff have been engaged in continuity planning and the Emergency Operations Centre will be opened on Monday for further planning. There will be a Special Council Information Meeting on Tuesday at 10 am in Council Chambers.

“Council meetings are streamed on YouTube and members of the public are encouraged to watch online. We are in constant contact with health care partners and will provide updates on any changes to programming and service levels as soon as it becomes available.”

The City’s press release says to reduce your risk of exposure, please consider making bill payments (parking tickets, taxes or other fees) online, over the phone or by mail.

The best thing people can do is work together to prevent the spread of the illness by doing the following:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible
• Stay home if you or a family member are ill
• If you are ill and must visit a healthcare provider, clinic, or hospital emergency department, call ahead or tell them right away when you arrive that you have a respiratory illness and wear a mask while waiting to be seen
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care homes if you are sick
• If you have travelled outside of Canada, self-monitor your health for flu-like symptoms for 14 days after your return. If symptoms develop during that time call the Health Unit.

For more information, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, or visit www.hkpr.on.ca. After hours, call Telehealth Ontario for medical advice toll-free at 1-866-797-0000. Up to date information can be found at the following links.