NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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As the weather gets warmer, communities across Ontario are facing a potential influx of visitors seeking outdoor activities after weeks of staying inside due to COVID-19 restrictions. To help reduce the spread of the virus, municipalities surrounding Lake Simcoe and area—including the City of Orillia, Towns of Georgina, Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury, and the Townships of Brock, Oro-Medonte and Ramara and the County of Simcoe —are urging everyone to skip the daytrip and not make the drive up north right now.
While making the journey might seem harmless, it could heighten the chances of both spreading and contracting COVID-19—especially when stopping for gas or food during the trip. Those deciding to forgo warnings and take the trip will be disappointed to find that the outdoor amenities they were looking forward to are not available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Province of Ontario’s emergency order, access to outdoor recreational amenities such as playground structures, sports fields, picnic sites, and more will be closed or restricted until further notice. In addition there may be local closures or restrictions of beaches and boat ramps.
It is crucial that all Ontario residents follow the advice of public health experts to limit the opportunity for community transmission of COVID-19. Lake Simcoe municipalities are urging the public to curb travel and carefully consider the impact an out-of-town visit will have on other communities, critical services and healthcare networks. Ontario has made steady progress to overcome COVID-19, but the virus has not yet been contained. Everyone must work together to continue flattening the curve in order to protect the health and well-being of all communities.
The municipalities surrounding Lake Simcoe are beautiful places to visit, but now is not the time. If you choose to not follow this request and decide to go up north, please keep these recommendations in mind:
• Visit the website of the municipality you plan to visit for local updates. You may find that beaches, boat launches, public washrooms, and other park amenities are closed or restricted.
• Supporting the local economy is extremely valuable, but please bring what you need with you to limit exposure and community transmission of the virus.
• Visitors and seasonal residents are asked to practise physical distancing and self-isolation as required.
As public spaces begin to gradually reopen across the province, it will take time for municipalities to ramp up operations. Municipalities will follow the province’s framework for reopening Ontario, which involves a careful stage-by-stage approach to protect the health and safety of the public and workers.
“The County of Simcoe strongly encourages residents to follow public health guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel of any kind. As our communities and economy begin the guided process of reopening, it’s vital that we take a cautious approach, avoid gatherings, stay home as much as possible in our primary residence and do all we can to support our recovery. We have a beautiful region, but for now please experience Simcoe County from home through an abundance of available online opportunities, including our portal.” – County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell.
