With the province moving into the first stage of its plan to re-open the economy and after reviewing key public health indicators, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit is rescinding its public health order regarding secondary residences.
Effective immediately, the occupancy of secondary residences in Haldimand and Norfolk by those who live outside the jurisdiction is not restricted.
“Residents of Haldimand and Norfolk have made many sacrifices fighting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and other measures,” says Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health. “Rescinding this public health order, however, should not be interpreted to mean that this battle is over. Social distancing measures remain in effect and are critical to completely breaking the coronavirus’ chain of transmission in our community. I remain concerned about outbreaks in settings where many people live together, such as long-term care facilities, retirement homes and residences for seasonal agricultural workers.”
Those who live outside of Haldimand and Norfolk are still being asked to postpone their visit to the area.
Dr. Nesathurai stated that “The risk of transmission is increased when people engage in repeated non-essential travel. The transmission of COVID-19 only requires one cough. If travel is absolutely necessary, please bring your own groceries and fuel your vehicle up in your home community. And if you’re thinking about a day-trip, please consider putting it off for a little while longer.”
“Personal property rights and their critical importance to our society is at the core of why I ran for public office. This kind of public health order really should have come from the province, but the province’s mixed messages make managing this pandemic unnecessarily complicated for municipalities across Ontario,” says Kristal Chopp, Chair of the Haldimand Norfolk Board of Health. “We continue to have serious concerns about the potential for a second wave of disease to hit our community, and the havoc that would wreak on our economy. That’s why myself and other cottage country mayors have been asking for the province’s support in deterring day-trippers and non-essential visitors – who we’d ordinarily welcome with open arms – until we’re safely through this pandemic.”
Haldimand County will be also be re-opening some of its outdoor amenities as early as Saturday, May 16. The re-openings are being implemented in response to yesterday’s Provincial announcement regarding Phase 1 of Ontario’s re-opening plan. Provincial rules limiting gatherings to 5 persons or less remain in effect.
Among the businesses/activities permitted to re-open under the new Provincial rules are marinas (May 16), golf courses (May 16) and outdoor non-team sporting competitions (May 19). As such, the County will be re-opening the following amenities:
Boat launches – Saturday, May 16, 2020
All public boat launches EXCEPT the Port Maitland West launch (accessed via the Esplanade) will be open for use starting this Saturday. Port Maitland West will not open until piers and beaches are open for normal public use. Docks will not be put in immediately as they require inspections and seasonal maintenance, which will take some time.
Parking lots at trailheads/public parks – Tuesday, May 19, 2020 Parks – Tuesday, May 19, 2020
All County parks will be re-open for use on Tuesday, with the exception of the Port Maitland Park (pier, and beach). Formerly, parks were open for walk-through access only. Fishing will now be permitted from riverbanks in County parks and it is now appropriate, based on public health guidelines, for residents to enjoy a picnic or game of catch with members of their household while practicing social distancing with others. Playgrounds, pavilions & picnic tables remain off limits until further notice.
Tennis/pickleball courts, disc golf courses & skate/BMX parks – Tuesday, May 19, 2020
All tennis & pickleball courts will re-open for use on Tuesday, as well as the disc golf course at Lafortune Park and skate/BMX parks. All other sporting fields and courts remain closed at this time.
Residents are asked to be patient while staff remove barricades and amend posted signage to reflect these changes.
Barricades at green space & trail parking areas will be removed by staff over the course of the long weekend. All parking lots at County-operated green spaces and trails are expected to be open by Tuesday.
“With the loosening of restrictions and greater access to outdoor amenities, we expect that the public will be respectful of social distancing guidelines, not congregate in groups larger than 5 people, and keep 6ft away from other individuals,” said Haldimand Mayor Ken Hewitt. “While these re-openings are a step in the right direction & welcome news, disregarding the guidelines puts our community at risk. I implore everyone to exercise common sense, be vigilant and share these spaces responsibly.”
Members of the public are encouraged to contact the COVID-19 enforcement hotline at 519-428-8019 to report violations of individuals who are not following social distancing guidelines. To ensure continued access to parks, residents are urged to demonstrate personal responsibility, practice social distancing and not take advantage of public green spaces (e.g: congregate in groups) so they can be enjoyed, especially as warmer weather approaches.
Over the last number of weeks, there have been an average of less than one positive case of COVID-19 in Haldimand and Norfolk per day – contrasted with a single day during the pandemic’s peak on which 21 cases were identified.
As of today, there are approximately 300 people currently in self-isolation across the two counties. More than 3,000 residents have self-isolated at some point during the pandemic.
Gatherings of more than five people who do not all live in the same household continue to be precluded by provincial order, and individuals must remain at least two metres from each other at all times.
Haldimand and Norfolk have stepped up bylaw patrol efforts, increasing staff numbers and weekend coverage. Officers will be in the community this weekend, ensuring proper social distancing protocols are being followed.
