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Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis |
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In response to a doubling in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, the real and looming threat of the collapse of the province's hospital system and alarming risks posed to long-term care homes as a result of high COVID-19 transmission rates, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). The State of Emergency comes into effect on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., with the government issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work. Further information related to the State of Emergency is available from the Province. |
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus with pneumonia-like symptoms. There are confirmed cases in Canada, including Ontario. The Town of Bracebridge is working closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and other community partners to monitor the global situation and respond accordingly.
The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge is requiring the immediate use of non-medical grade masks or face coverings in all Town facilities. This requirement is in accordance with the instructions issued by the Medical Officer of Health at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on July 7, 2020, under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 1990 (EMCPA).
Current pandemic measures and recommendations to protect workers and members of the public continue to evolve. Accordingly, this policy, along with associated materials, are subject to amendment.
To read this policy in its entirety, along with other policies that the Town has in place as a result of the pandemic, please click on the links below:
Town of Bracebridge COVID-19 Safety Plan
Mandatory Face Coverings in Indoor Town Facilities Policy
Remote Work Arrangements Policy
| COVID-19 Community Relief Fund |
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As part of the municipality’s efforts to support the community during this time, the Town of Bracebridge has created the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund (CRF), which will provide grants to impacted organizations in specific areas. The CRF, in the amount of $40,000, was established and passed by Council at their meeting on April 22nd, 2020. There will be an initial intake period until May 8th, though this may change dependent on future updates related to the pandemic. Those applications for assistance can be submitted up to 4:30 p.m. on May 8th to be considered for potential funding. |
What you Need to Know
It is good to be prepared for the potential arrival of widespread community transmission of the virus. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has information on their website about preparing for a pandemic.
As of Monday, July 13, 2020, when you enter into a public indoor space a (e.g. grocery store, community centre, shopping mall, hair salon, library, place of worship, etc.), or use a public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka, you will be required to wear a face covering.
A face covering means a medical or non-medical mask or other face covering such as a bandana or scarf that covers the mouth and nose.
Please visit the SMDHU page for more detailed information on wearing a face covering in all indoor public spaces.
| What type of business or organizations are included? |
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All businesses, organizations and public transit are included that have indoor public spaces that are openly accessible to members of the public and are used for the purposes of offering goods or services to members of the public and currently include, but are not limited to, the following:
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| What indoor public spaces are NOT included? |
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| What if I can’t wear a face covering? |
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The following individuals do not have to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces:
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Flattening the Curve Through Social and Physical Distancing
As stated by Federal and Provincial health care officials, it is urgent that Bracebridge residents take steps immediately to limit the number of people we come in contact with to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts recommend:
Stay home
• Avoid all non-essential trips into your community.
Practice physical distancing
• Physical distancing means keeping 2 meters or 6 feet between you and another person.
• Everyone should practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people.
• Everyone should do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families.
Practice proper hygiene
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
For the most up-to-date local information, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
For information on the measures involved with self-isolating, please visit the page prepared by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Government of Canada on How To Isolate At Home When You Have COVID-19.
| COVID-19 Assessment Centre |
| One COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened in Bracebridge on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Patient access to the Assessment Centre is by appointment only Monday through Friday, by referral from a health care provider. The Assessment Centre is not open for walk-in visits.
For more information on how to access to the Muskoka Assessment Centre locations, click here. For the full media release visit the Algonquin Family Health Team website: |
Emergency Orders and Contact Information
The Province of Ontario has issued a number of Emergency Orders in recent days under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It is essential that everybody follow these emergency orders at all times to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The following is a summary of the emergency orders currently in effect throughout Ontario, as well as the proper contact reporting information for members of the public who wish to report a suspected violation of an order.
Additional information for any of these emergency orders may be obtained by visiting news.ontario.ca
| Violation Reporting Numbers |
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Impact on Town Services
The Town has business continuity plans in place to ensure essential Town services continue to be delivered.
Bracebridge Memorial Arena and Bracebridge Sportsplex |
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The Arena and Sportsplex are closed to the public until further notice.
The following changes will be effective December 24th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
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Bracebridge Public Library |
| The Library is open Monday to Friday, 1-6pm. Please check the Library website for further information. |
Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility |
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Effective Monday, July 13, 2020, face coverings are required on Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility including in vehicles and inside bus shelters. These instructions are being issued by the Medical Officer of Health at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and will continue while the provincial Emergency Orders remain in force. A face covering means a non-medical mask or other face coverings such as a bandana, scarf, or cloth mask, that has been purchased or made, that covers the mouth, nose and chin ensuring a barrier that limits the spread of respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing or talking. The following individuals are not required to wear a face covering on public transit:
Although a public transit service has the right to deny entry to their premise, the policy regarding the use of face coverings should be used as a means to educate people on face covering use. As such, we have instructed the service provider to verbally remind customers to wear a face covering and to not refuse entry. While cases of COVID-19 are currently decreasing across the Simcoe-Muskoka region, the risk of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 remains as the re-opening process continues across the region. The use of face coverings in public transit is an additional public health measure (along with physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick) that may prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community. More information on face coverings is available from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website. In an effort to keep transit riders moving for the purpose of accessing necessary destinations such as grocery stores, pharmacies and employment, Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility are continuing to provide service to riders. Residents are being strongly reminded that until further notice, Bracebridge Transit and Bracebridge Mobility are to be used for essential trips only. In order to protect both transit riders and staff, riders are being directed to only use the service for the purposes of accessing necessary destinations such as grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and employment. Extra safety precautions continue to be in effect. The Town continues to work closely with the service provider, Hammond Transportation Ltd., in regard to safety precautions and operations. As a reminder to riders, the Town of Bracebridge is advising of the following safety procedures:
Town staff are available to provide assistance with both Bracebridge Mobility and Bracebridge Transit via telephone at 705-645-5264 or email at transit@bracebridge.ca. Please note that the Bracebridge Transit phone line (705-645-8444) will be temporarily forwarded to the main Town of Bracebridge phone line. |
The Chapel Gallery (Muskoka Arts and Crafts) |
| The Chapel Gallery is closed to in-person traffic until further notice. Staff are available via telephone at (705) 645-5501, or by email at info@muskokaartsandcrafts.com. |
Municipal Office |
| Effective at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday March 17, 2020, the Municipal Office located at 1000 Taylor Court will be closed to walk-in customers. Staff are available to provide assistance via telephone and email during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Muskoka Small Business Centre |
| The Muskoka Small Business Centre is closed to in-person traffic, but is available via telephone at 705-646-9021. |
Oakley Village Square Community Centre |
| The Oakley Village Square Community Centre in Vankoughnet is closed until further notice. |
Parks and Trails |
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As of Friday, July 24, 2020, all parks, beaches, trails and park amenities (except for BBQ pits) will be open. Town Park Ambassadors will be visiting identified parks and beaches to promote and educate the public on physical distancing requirements and other guidelines, including information from By-Law Enforcement, the Province of Ontario and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The Town recognizes that outdoor activity and exercise is important during this difficult uncertain time and we encourage all users to continue to follow these guidelines:
BeachesWith the hot summer weather upon us, the Town of Bracebridge is experiencing an influx of beachgoers to its public beach parks. This creates several issues including an increase in unlawful parking, an inability to physical distance and an increased strain on public services, such as washrooms and waste receptacles. As a result of these concerns, the Town is reminding residents and visitors to observe beach-use best practices and expectations in an effort to help educate and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
Questions in relation to Parks, Trails and other outdoor public spaces such as Boat Launches, contact Gillian Mitchell, Parks and Trails Foreperson at gmitchell@bracebridge.ca |
Visitor Information Centre |
| The Visitor Information Centre is closed to foot traffic until further notice. We are pleased to assist you via phone, email or social media, and can be contacted at 705-645-8121 or info@bracebridgechamber.com. |
Additional Information Sources
District of Muskoka - COVID-19 Updates
District of Muskoka - COVID-19 Food and Community Supports
Stop the Spread Business Information Line (Toll-Free), 1-888-444-3659
District of Muskoka - Waste Collection Program Changes