NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF MIDLAND
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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Midland has worked closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and upper levels of government to establish protocols & procedures that focus on the health and safety of both residents and staff. We are also working with our municipal partners as well to ensure consistency of interpretation of the instructions and will provide any further clarity as it becomes available.
With our region moving into Stage 3 of the Ontario Government’s recover framework today, the Town of Midland is announcing the following update:
North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre
• The North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre will be reopening, with strict enforcement on gathering limits of no more than 50 people within the building at any given time;
• Users will need to complete/submit a screening form and waiver before being granted entry;
• The change rooms will not be accessible. Users are encouraged to make other arrangements for changing in/out of equipment/uniforms; and
• Enquires regarding ice time and the screening form can be made by calling 705-526-9395.
Amenities
• The reopening of playground structures and equipment for public use will begin, with signage advising that the sites are not sanitized, and that users should continue to practice physical distancing. Some playground structures require reassembly and inspection before being used and staff will be completing this work over the next week;
• The Town is working with the SMDHU to determine rules and sanitation requirements for reopening of the pavilions at Little Lake Park and Midland Harbour. Those amenities will remain closed until further notice; and
• Public gatherings of up to 100 people are now permitted in parks, with physical distancing being maintained.
With the Ontario Government extending the emergency declaration, the following facilities will remain closed until at least July 24, 2020:
• Town Hall – employees continue to work remotely, with essential services provided by appointment only.
• Fire Department – Closed to public tours/educational activities, inspections done on a case-by-case basis.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Centre – Closed to public.
Essential services such as Policing, Fire Services and Water/Wastewater Services will not be interrupted by these closure extensions.
Mid-Pen Transit Service
The following will remain in effect until at least July 31:
• Mid-Pen Transit will remain free for riders;
• Transit will continue to operate Monday to Friday using the “Saturday” schedule; and
• Saturday service will remain suspended.
Reminder, that transit riders are required to wear a non-medical mask when riding the bus, with exceptions given to certain individuals based on the Chief Medical Officer’s instructions. Masks will be provided when boarding if you don’t have one, and refusal to wear one will result in refusal of service, and could result in fines ranging from $750-$1000 up to a maximum of $100,000.
As per the directive of the SMDHU, exemptions will be made for: children under the age of two, and those under five who refuse/cannot be persuaded to wear one by their caregiver; those who cannot wear a mask due to their religious beliefs; and persons with disabilities or medical conditions that prevent a person from wearing a face mask.
Riders are asked to board and deboard using the rear doors when it is an option, to maintain physical distance from transit operators. Riders with disabilities may still use the front door if needed. For more details on the schedule, please visit: www.midland.ca/Pages/transit.aspx
The Town of Midland will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide updates on the Town of Midland website at Midland.ca/COVID-19, and we encourage residents to follow our social media channels for updates as well, @MidlandON on Twitter, and @townofmidland on Facebook. For more information on the state of COVID-19 in our area, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit their website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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