Physical distancing remains the theme from all levels of government and health officials as COVID-19 continues to spread in communities.
The message coming from public health is to do all you can now to prevent surges in COVID-19 cases to prevent overwhelming health care facilities.
The Town of Collingwood is now installing fencing around playgrounds and has already fenced off the skate park. Staff were receiving complaints about people gathering in those places even though there have been signs posted to say the playgrounds are closed. Dog parks and baseball diamonds are also being locked to prevent use. Trails and green spaces remain open for the public.
While most landfills in Simcoe County remain closed, there will be four opening on reduced hours on Monday, including the site in Stayner. Collingwood’s transfer station will remain closed.
Ontario reported another 135 confirmed cases of COVID-19 this morning, bringing the province’s total to 993 and 18 deaths.
Regionally there are 35 cases.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has confirmed cases in Collingwood (1), Barrie (7), Orillia (4), Springwater (1), Clearview (2), New Tecumseth (3), Adjala-Tosorontio (1), Bradford West Gwillimbury (6), Essa (1), Midland (2), Oro-Medonte (1) and Huntsville (1). The remaining cases have not yet been posted with information.
Simcoe County District School Board announced it is working on ways to deliver curriculum to parents and students at home should school closures be extended past April 6.
Grey County, Simcoe County, Grey Highlands, and Town of The Blue Mountains have all declared states of emergency. The Town of Collingwood has not.
For those wishing to make homemade masks, currently there are no hospitals accepting homemade PPE, but the County of Simcoe will accept hand sewn masks. You can learn more about that in the story here.