The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is one of 24 health units across Ontario that were deemed able to move into phase two of reopening by Premier Doug Ford.
Health unit officials say that more businesses will be allowed to reopen with health and safety measures still in place, including:
- Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties
- Select personal and personal care services with the proper health and safety measures in place, including tattoo parlours, barbershops, hair salons and beauty salons
- Shopping malls under existing restrictions, including food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only
- Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours, as well as tasting and tours for wineries, breweries and distilleries
- Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools
- Beach access and additional camping at Ontario Parks;
- Camping at private campgrounds
- Outdoor-only recreational facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to enable physical distancing
- Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural appreciation, such as art installations
- Film and television production activities, with limits to enable physical distancing; and
- Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people
“Thanks to the combined efforts of everyone in our community we are able to enter into Stage two,” said Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “We must remember that although more businesses are opening COVID-19 is not over.”
Health unit officials add that businesses should only reopen when they are ready and have ensured proper infection prevention and control measures are in place. Business owners and operators are encouraged to call the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 option 5 if they have questions about the requirements to reopen.
According to officials, just because phase two is here, that doesn’t mean you should lower your guard. Everyone must play their part and people will need to continue practice two metre physically distancing from one another, using a face covering when distancing is a challenge, using proper coughing/sneezing etiquette, washing their hands often, use hand sanitizer, and do not touch your face. Gatherings of more than 10 people are still not allowed.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, isolate yourself and call a testing centre to book an appointment.
