Practice good judgement and follow provincial orders says Mayor Nancy Peckford.
Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the declaration of a second provincial emergency. This is to help curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases across the Province by largely limiting your day-to-day contacts to those members of your immediate household.
“Quite simply, by severely limiting your trips outside of the home, and avoiding the commute to any hotspots for non-essential reasons, you are helping to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Nancy Peckford. “While I recognize there has been some confusion about the new Stay-at-Home orders, this is essentially about being responsible and practicing good judgement to stay at home as much as possible.”
Though COVID numbers continue to remain low in this region, which is overseen by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Health Unit, it is by practicing good judgement and staying at home as much as possible that we can keep it this way.
“Our everyday actions can dramatically reduce the chances of a COVID surge in our area, as well as protect our seniors, other vulnerable residents, and frontline workers,” Mayor Peckford added. “This is an amazing community, and North Grenville residents have done a remarkable job of keeping each other safe up to now. However, as COVID cases rapidly increase in hotspots, including with neighbouring regions, please continue to do everything in your power to protect yourselves, your loved ones, and our community.”
The mental health and well-being of North Grenville residents is key which is why there is still limited access to non-essential local businesses, libraries, outdoor recreational amenities, and municipal services. Residents are encouraged to use their own good judgement in considering how and when they use these services.
The current Stay-at-Home order is in effect for all communities for 28 days. Ontario residents are being ordered to stay at home as much as possible. Where necessary, North Grenville residents are strongly encouraged to utilize curbside and takeout options in order to support our local economy.
“No matter who you are – parent, business leader, employee, child of an elderly parent, someone living by themselves or with family, and/or with a pre-existing health condition, you are not alone, and your efforts to protect yourselves and each other matter each and every day,” added Councillor Doreen O’Sullivan who herself is a practicing Registered Nurse.
Here is a quick breakdown of what the new provincial orders mean here in North Grenville:
Businesses: Essential businesses, including but not limited to grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies remain open. Curbside pickup continues to be offered by many of North Grenville’s local businesses. Consult www.loveng.ca for the full list and please support your local economy!
Building and Construction: A list of essential construction projects and the impact of the provincial orders as it pertains to building permits has been updated on our website at: www.northgrenville.on.ca.
Families:
There are many single parents and seniors living alone in our community. The province has clearly stated that individuals who live alone, as well as single parents, can have “exclusive, close contact” with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Being outdoors with your family (of the same household) is recognized by the province as a safe and important activity, and is highly encouraged for residents of all ages.
Recreational Amenities:
As is the case in many municipalities, public outdoor rinks and the newly established sledding hill in Ferguson Forest remain open. Bishop’s Mills and eQuinelle operate neighbourhood, volunteer rinks and have a limit of 10 people at one time. Multiple families can use the new toboggan hill in Ferguson Forest Hill at the same time, so long as they are socially distanced.
Trails at the Ferguson Forest, Kemptville Campus and Limerick Forest remain open.
Masks are highly recommended at all outdoor facilities, including rinks and the toboggan hill, and are required when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as when entering and existing the rinks.
Mental Health Supports: There are several resources available if you find yourself or your loved ones struggling. Remember, you are not alone and can access support at:
- Children’s Mental Health of Leeds & Grenville: 613-498-4844 | www.cmhlg.ca/
- Lanark, Leeds & Grenville Mental Health and Addictions: 1-866-499-8445 | https://llgamh.ca/
- Family & Children’s Services of Lanark, Leeds, & Grenville: 1-855-667-2726 | https://fcsllg.ca/
- Connect Youth: helps vulnerable youth who are not safe at home. http://connectyouth.ca/
- Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville: 1-800-939-7682 | www.vslg.ca
For the full list of community supports visit: www.northgrenville.ca/coronavirus.
