Province Wide Lock Down starting December 26, 2020

Premier Doug Ford announced yesterday that as of 12:01am December 26, 2020 the Province will be heading to a Lock Down. This comes forth as the number of cases has spiked in Ontario causing a strain on the healthcare system namely hospitals and long term care homes.

Restrictions will affect all public events and social gatherings as well as in-person shopping - curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Essential stores such as pharmacies and grocery stores will be permitted up to 50% capacity. Indoor and outdoor dining will not be permitted, however, take-out, drive-thru and delivery may remain. It is very reminiscent of the Spring of 2020.

The Town itself has recently been a witness to how COVID-19 can change everything very quickly. This coming from a local spike in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville west region pushing the case count numbers dramatically since COVID began.

“While the Province wide lock down does not take effect until December 26, 2020, how we continue now and in the next few days remains to be paramount,” stated Major Lojko. “Unfortunately, 2020 is not the year to physically visit but to stay at home and connect with our loved ones virtually or on the phone.”

Public Works winter operations will continue as required and residents are reminded that overnight winter parking restrictions will remain in effect. Additionally, residents shall not overhang their vehicles over on pedestrian sidewalks. Garbage and recycling pickup will remain as scheduled.

Town Hall will be open to the public from 10:00 to 2:00pm until December 23, 2020 and then remain closed until the new year. 
Beginning, January 4, 2020, skeleton staff will be onsite, however, the doors to the public will remain closed. Facilities such as the arena and visitors centre will follow suit. Municipal playgrounds, walking trails, dog park will continue to be open. However, the Town cautions the public that these facilities are available to use at your own risk as park playground equipment is not being sanitized and social distancing is still required.

Town Council and the Municipal Emergency Control Group would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. Listen to the Health Unit’s advice and limit your gatherings outside your household as well as your travel. Continue to support our local businesses in a safe manner. Let’s do it right, Gananoque!

https://www.gananoque.ca/love-community-shop-local

For more information, contact:
Shellee Fournier, CAO
30 King Street East
Gananoque ON K7G 2T6
613-382-2149 ext.1113
sfournier@gananoque.ca