Last night(Friday at 12:01 AM) Ontario entered Step 1 of its Roadmap to Reopen.
As the province lifts a number of COVID-19 restrictions for some stores, services and activities in the coming days, the local Health Unit asks people to continue staying safe every step of the way.
Non-essential retailers will be able to reopen for limited in-person shopping, limited outdoor dining on restaurant patios is allowed, more outdoor activities like camping, fitness classes and religious services can resume, and outdoor gathering sizes will double to up to 10 people.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says that while cases are trending downwards, the need to continue taking precautions to stop the spread has never been more important as the economy gradually reopens this summer.
“While we are pleased to see more services and amenities reopening, we still need to be cautious,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health. “As we gradually return to normal with more activities and options, let’s be sure to do it safely.”
Dr. Bocking says an essential part of getting through the pandemic is to have as many people vaccinated as possible against COVID-19.
That’s why kids 12 years and older are being encouraged to get vaccinated, Bocking says.
The Health Unit is adding more appointment bookings in the coming weeks at its mass immunization clinic site in Haliburton County.
People can book vaccine appointments by visiting www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine or calling 1-833-943-3900.
If individuals cannot immediately book a local appointment, they should check back as the Health Unit will be adding more clinic slots on the provincial booking system.